Category Archives: Cooperatives

Paul Bunyan Communications broadband expansion projects estimated at almost $8 million

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The Timbeyjay reports on expansion of broadband in Northen Minnesota…

Paul Bunyan Communications is planning a significant expansion of its all-fiber optic network in parts of St. Louis and Itasca counties this year, bringing high-speed broadband service to more than 600 homes and businesses across five townships near Cook.
The project will extend the cooperative’s GigaZone network into areas south and west of Cook, including portions of Alango, Carpenter, Field, and Sturgeon townships, along with an unorganized township east of Carpenter.

I wrote about the expansions earlier, the Timberjay takes a look funding…

The total cost is estimated at $7,810,355, with funding coming from a combination of state, regional, local, and cooperative sources.
The largest share of funding, $3,924,157, is being provided through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Low-Density Population Broadband Infrastructure Development Grant Program. Paul Bunyan Communications is contributing $2,203,928 toward the project.
Additional support includes $1,000,000 from Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, $583,250 from St. Louis County, and smaller contributions from local townships, including $41,200 from Alango Township, $17,800 from Field Township, and $40,000 from Sturgeon Township.

And a look at the larger industry and funding…

These local expansions are taking place amid broader policy changes that could shape the future of broadband deployment across the state.
Federal changes to broadband funding rules are influencing how projects are selected in Minnesota. Updated guidance issued in 2025 by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration shifted the BEAD program toward a more “technology-neutral” approach, requiring states to consider a mix of fiber, fixed wireless, and satellite options when awarding funds, rather than prioritizing fiber by default.
Minnesota’s approved BEAD plan reflects that shift, with state officials anticipating a combination of technologies to reach unserved areas, particularly in remote locations where fiber deployment is more costly. Analysts say the policy change has already begun to affect outcomes, with fiber accounting for a smaller share of proposed or funded projects than originally expected and more funding directed toward wireless and satellite options. The Minnesota Office of Broadband Development, which is overseeing roughly $652 million in federal funding, continues to work through how those federal requirements will shape final project selections and the pace of expansion across rural parts of the state.
At the same time, the shift has raised ongoing questions about long-term performance differences between technologies. Fiber networks like Paul Bunyan Communications’ GigaZone are capable of speeds up to 10 gigabits per second, far exceeding federal minimum broadband standards, while satellite-based services such as Starlink typically deliver speeds closer to 250 megabits per second, according to federal and industry data, a gap that can affect reliability, latency, and long-term scalability for users.

Paul Bunyan Communications expands fiber to more than 3,200 Homes and Businesses in Northern Minnesota

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More good news from Paul Bunyan, this news includes updates I shared from Aitkin and St Louis & Itasca Counties yesterday but also includes Hubbard County updates…

Paul Bunyan Communications will be expanding its all-fiber optic network, the GigaZone®, to over 3,200 more locations in areas of Aitkin, Hubbard, and St. Louis counties in 2026.
Aitkin County
Over 2,400 locations in central Aitkin County including the cities of McGregor, Palisade, and Tamarack along with areas of Clark, Haugen, Jevne, Libby, Logan, McGregor, Shamrock, and Workman Townships.
Itasca County/St. Louis County
Over 600 locations in areas of the following townships in St Louis and Itasca County: Alango, Sturgeon, Field, Carpenter, and Unorganized Township east of Carpenter Township. These areas are south and west of the city of Cook.
This project is made possible through the State of Minnesota, Department of Employment & Economic Development, Low-Density Population Broadband Infrastructure Development Grant Program. This project is estimated to cost $7,810,355, with the State of Minnesota’s Low-Population Density Program grant contributing $3,924,157, Paul Bunyan Communications investing $2,203,928, Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRRB) investing $1,000,000, St. Louis County investing $583,250, Alango Township $41,200, Field Township $17,800, and Sturgeon Township $40,000.
Hubbard County
Over 225 locations in southern Hubbard County including areas of Henrietta and Todd Townships south of Fishhook Lake and areas south and west of Long Lake in Hubbard Township.
This project is made possible through a USDA ReConnect Round 3 grant award. The portion of construction built with grant dollars will be an estimated $500,000.
Once the new all-fiber optic network is operational, homes and businesses can get fast, dependable GigaZone™ Internet and WiFi built to keep every device connected. Voice services, including unlimited local and long-distance will also be available. Business customers will gain access to Managed IT Business Services like VOIP, Disaster Backup and Recovery, and Network Management.
Construction will take place over the summer with services expected to be available by winter. To get connected, residents and businesses need to sign up for service before construction leaves the area. Sign up online at https://paulbunyan.net/, over the phone, or in person at our offices in Bemidji and Grand Rapids.
“We’re excited to share our plans to expand gigabit broadband access to more residents and businesses,” said Chad Bullock, CEO and General Manager of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Our cooperative remains committed to delivering these essential services to communities across northern Minnesota.”

Paul Bunyan Communications expanding fiber to more than 600 more locations in 2026 in St Louis County

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From Paul Bunyan Communications…

Paul Bunyan Communications will be expanding its all-fiber optic network, the GigaZone®, to over 600 more locations in Itasca and St. Louis County this year across five townships.
This project includes areas south and west of the city of Cook including parts of the following townships: Alango, Carpenter, Field, Sturgeon, and an unorganized township east of Carpenter.
Once the new all-fiber optic network is operational, homes and businesses can get fast, dependable GigaZone™ Internet and WiFi built to keep every device connected. Voice services, including unlimited local and long-distance will also be available. Business customers will gain access to Managed IT Business Services like VOIP, Disaster Backup and Recovery, and Network Management. In addition, Paul Bunyan Communications is an authorized DIRECTV dealer and certified Apple Service Center. There is no membership fee to join the cooperative. membership begins when you subscribe to GigaZone™ Internet or local phone service.
Construction will take place over the summer with services expected to be available by winter. To get connected, residents and businesses need to sign up for service before construction leaves the area. Sign up online, over the phone, or in person at our Grand Rapids Customer Service & Technology Center. To check to see if a specific location is within an expansion area and sign up for services, visit https://paulbunyan.net/
“Expanding our all-fiber optic network into more rural areas around our current service territory reflects our long-standing commitment to the region,” said Chad Bullock, CEO and General Manager of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Access to reliable, high-quality internet is essential for economic growth, education, and quality of life. As a cooperative, we continue to invest in our region to bring more homes and businesses have the connectivity they need to succeed.”
“Our 2026 expansion marks another important step in extending the reach of our all-fiber optic network,” said Leo Anderson, Chief Technology Officer of Paul Bunyan Communications. “By delivering fast, reliable connectivity with the capacity to scale for future needs, we’re making sure residents and businesses have the tools they need to thrive, today and for years to come.”
This project is made possible through the State of Minnesota, Department of Employment & Economic Development, Low-Density Population Broadband Infrastructure Development Grant Program. This project is estimated to cost $7,810,355, with the State of Minnesota’s Low-Population Density Program grant contributing $3,924,157, Paul Bunyan Communications investing $2,203,928, Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR) investing $1,000,000, St. Louis County investing $583,250, Alango Township $41,200, Field Township $17,800, and Sturgeon Township $40,000.

Paul Bunyan Communications finishes broadband expansion in Great Scott and unorganzied Township in St. Louis County

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From Paul Bunyan Communications…

Paul Bunyan Communications has completed construction of its all-fiber optic GigaZone® network, bringing fast, reliable Internet access to more than 350 homes and businesses in Great Scott Township and an unorganized township north of Great Scott in St. Louis County. The completed expansion includes the areas surrounding Dark Lake, Clear Lake, Lake Fourteen, and Lake Leander. Residents and businesses who have signed up for service are now being contacted to schedule installation.
“This project represents more than new infrastructure, it’s about delivering Internet and WiFi for the way people live and work today,” said Chad Bullock, CEO and General Manager of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Completing this all-fiber optic expansion ensures residents and businesses in these areas have the dependable, high-speed connectivity they need for everyday life, economic opportunity, and staying connected to what matters most.”
Paul Bunyan Communications’ all-fiber optic network delivers both upload and download speeds up to 10 Gig, supporting the growing demands of modern households and businesses.
“With an all-fiber network, customers experience consistent, reliable performance across everything they do, whether that’s remote work and learning, telehealth visits, running a business, or streaming entertainment,” said Brian Bissonette, Marketing Supervisor at Paul Bunyan Communications. “This level of connectivity truly changes how people can live, work, and stay connected.”
The project was made possible in part through a $400,000 St. Louis County Broadband Grant and a $217,000 Broadband Grant from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR).
Homes and businesses within the completed expansion area that have not yet signed up for service may still do so. When feasible, the cooperative will return to bring the network to additional locations with no construction fee.
There is no membership fee to join Paul Bunyan Communications. Membership is included when subscribing to either local phone service or GigaZone® Internet service.
To check whether a specific location is included in the expansion area and to learn more about the construction process, visit www.paulbunyan.net

Broadband expanded to more than 100 households in Great Scott Township and Mountain Iron

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The IRRR Ranger reports…

The GigaZone is currently available to more than 60,000 locations in Minnesota and serves over 36,000 customers across rural and often sparsely populated areas.

“Broadband has become a cornerstone for regional economic growth, remote education, telehealth services and numerous other community initiatives in northern Minnesota,” said Craig Boyer, PBC’s chief financial officer. “The Great Scott project served an area that likely would not have received basic broadband service without external assistance. The grant from IRRR enabled the project to move forward, along with additional funding from St. Louis County.”

The locations now have access to fiber optic fast GigaZone internet and WiFi, digital voice services and Managed IT business services. The PBC cooperative is also northern Minnesota’s certified Apple Service Center and an authorized DIRECTV dealer. Anyone interested in getting connected to the all-fiber optic broadband network may sign up for service. People may sign up online or by phone. To check if a specific location is in the project area and to sign up for service, visit www.gigazone.com.

Email Whitney Ridlon or call her at 218-735-3004 for Broadband Infrastructure grant information.

Consolidated Telephone Company (CTC) expands broadband to Clinton Township (St Louis County)

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Hometown Focus reports…

Consolidated Telephone Company (CTC) expanded its broadband fiber optic network to approximately 400 unserved or underserved locations in Clinton Township and adjacent areas, including homes, businesses and farms.

All locations have a minimum service offering available of 250 megabits per second download and upload, with services of 10 gigabits per second download and upload available. Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR) supported the project with a $1,150,000 Broadband Infrastructure grant to CTC. The total project investment was $5,400,000.

Joe Buttweiler is CTC’s chief strategy officer. He explained that access to broadband is as imperative today as electricity was 75 years ago. A reliable fiber optic network is the backbone necessary to provide rural residents, small businesses, teleworkers and farmers with access to the benefits of unlimited bandwidth, cost efficiency and reliability.

Prior to this project, many residents in the Clinton Township area did not have access to quality or affordable internet service for everyday needs.

The project also received a $2,624,187 Border to-Border Broadband Development Grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and a $400,000 grant from St. Louis County.

Broadband expanded to nearly 400 households, businesses and farms in Clinton Township

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From the IRRR Ranger newsletter…

Consolidated Telephone Company (CTC) expanded its broadband fiber optic network to approximately 400 unserved or underserved locations in Clinton Township and adjacent areas, including homes, businesses and farms. All locations have a minimum service offering available of 250 mbps download and upload, with services of 10 Gbps download and upload available. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the project with a $1,150,000 Broadband Infrastructure grant to CTC. Total project investment was $5,400,000.

Joe Buttweiler is CTC’s chief strategy officer. He explained that access to broadband is as imperative today as electricity was 75 years ago. A reliable fiber optic network is the backbone necessary to provide rural residents, small businesses, teleworkers and farmers with access to the benefits of unlimited bandwidth, cost efficiency and reliability. Prior to this project, many residents in the Clinton Township area did not have access to quality or affordable internet service for everyday needs.

The project also received a $2,624,187 Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development and a $400,000 grant from St. Louis County.

“In today’s world, reliable internet connectivity has become almost as important as other forms of infrastructure,” said St. Louis County Commissioner Keith Nelson. “It represents access for businesses, students and everyone else seeking information or services online. So I’m pleased St. Louis County could dedicate ARPA funds in support of this project serving our residents in Clinton Township.”

Email Whitney Ridlon or call her at 218-735-3004 for Broadband Infrastructure grant information.

Note: CTC is a member-owned cooperative established in 1952 and based in Brainerd, with additional offices in Baxter and Crosby. It has 16,000 residential and business members and 75 employees that serve as local support teams across northern Minnesota. It originated as a telephone service provider and has since added television and internet services for homes, businesses, cabins and apartment buildings throughout Minnesota. Learn more about CTC.

Paul Bunyan Communications completes broadband expansion in City of Bovey (Itasca County)

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From Paul Bunyan Communications…

Paul Bunyan Communications has completed expanding its all-fiber optic network, the GigaZone®, to the city of Bovey that included over 350 homes and businesses. Those who have signed up for service are being contacted to set up service installation.
“We’re proud to complete our all-fiber optic gigabit broadband expansion to the City of Bovey. High-quality connectivity is no longer a luxury, it’s essential. With this project now complete, residents and businesses in Bovey can access the advanced broadband services they need to thrive,” said Chad Bullock, CEO/General Manager of Paul Bunyan Communications.
“This expansion marks a major step forward for the Bovey community,” said Leo Anderson, Chief Technology Officer at Paul Bunyan Communications. “With our all-fiber optic network now delivering speeds up to 10 Gig, everything from remote work and online learning to telehealth and streaming becomes seamless. This level of connectivity is truly transformative.”
Anyone interested in getting connected to the all-fiber optic broadband network in these areas can still sign up for service. The cooperative will return to bring the network up to locations with no construction fee when feasible.
There is no membership fee to join Paul Bunyan Communications, membership is included by subscribing to either local phone service or GigaZone® Internet service.
To check to see if a specific location is within an expansion area and learn more about the expansion construction process, visit www.gigazone.com

EVENT Jan 13-15: Clearfield launches Tribal broadband technician training program in Brooklyn Park MN

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Telecompetitor reports…

Tribal residents will have access to certified broadband training through fiber optic equipment company Clearfield Inc.’s new Tribal Broadband Training Initiative.

The free three-day course is accredited by the Fiber Optic Association for Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT) training. It combines hands-on elements with classroom learning. The course covers inside plant, outside plant, and access network applications.

The goal is to offer a broadband training session each quarter near Tribal lands. The inaugural session will be held January 13–15 at Clearfield’s headquarters in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Subsequent sessions will be held from April 7–9 at the Hopi Telecommunications office in Keams Canyon, Arizona, and from July 21–23 at Tri County Tech in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) invests $913,000 in Paul Bunyan Communications

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The Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) reports…

At today’s Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) Board meeting, approximately $18.8 million in projects were reviewed that expand an existing business, advance mining operations, support higher education offerings, extend broadband service, increase the housing inventory and modernize infrastructure and public facilities.

$913,000 went to broadband grants…

  • Paul Bunyan Rural Telephone Cooperative: $600,000 to construct fiber optics to serve 128 unserved and 18 underserved households in Field, Alango and Sturgeon Townships in rural Saint Louis County. This is Phase 2 of a larger fiber optic expansion initiative.
  • Paul Bunyan Rural Telephone Cooperative: $313,000 to construct fiber optics to serve 146 unserved and underserved households in the communities of Cook, Marble, Keewatin and northeast Hibbing in Saint Louis County and rural Itasca County.

Lismore Coop talking to Nobles County about extending FTTH to Rushmore and Ellsworth

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The Worthington Globe reports…

Travis Halbur of Lismore Cooperative Telephone Company met with the Nobles County Board of Commissioners Tuesday morning to discuss a new project endeavor with intent to request funding assistance from the county.

Carter Grupp, consulting project manager at Finley Engineering Company, was also present to offer more information on the project, which is intended to bring a fiber line into Rushmore, Ellsworth and other non-grant subscribers throughout the county.

Some specifics on the proposal…

The total cost of the project is estimated at $682,000. Nobles County was asked to provide 20%, or $136,400, as a local commitment toward an application to secure more funding through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Broadband Line Extension Connection program . The program awards grants for the extension of existing broadband infrastructure to unserved locations, which includes Ellsworth, Rushmore, Worthington and Fulda. …

With the line extension grant application due Nov. 25, there isn’t much time to gather funds. Though, the project is not meant to be a large-scale investment.

The proposed project would include about 18.74 miles of mainline cable, serving about 55 passings, which is an umbrella term to define an end user, such as a home, business, school, library or farm. Of those, 53 would be in Nobles County, while two would be in Murray County.

The cost per subscriber comes in at around $12,400, with the cost per mile at $36,000, which is pretty standard according to Grupp.

“We’re looking to leverage existing state funding to not only build last mile fiber, but also feed potentially four communities in Nobles County that don’t have access to fiber,” Grupp said.

 

Paul Bunyan Communications’ broadband Expansion continues in Itasca and St. Louis Counties

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Another update from Paul Bunyan Communications…

The end of construction season is near but Paul Bunyan Communications is still on track to complete its planned broadband expansion projects across parts of Itasca and St. Louis Counties.
Status of Paul Bunyan Communications Broadband Expansion projects:
• Itasca County:
City of Coleraine- COMPLETED. Network is operational and services are now available.
City of Bovey- Construction is in progress. Services expected to become available by mid-December
Bearville(s) Township- COMPLETED. Network is operational and services are now available.
• St. Louis County:
Sandy Pike, & Wuori Township- COMPLETED. Network is operational and services are now available.
Alango, Angora, & Owens Township- Network testing in progress. Services should become available by end of November.
Balkan Township- Construction is in progress. Services expected to become available by end of December
French Township- COMPLETED. Network is operational and services are now available.
Great Scott Township & unorganized township north of Great Scott- Construction has started. Services projected to be available by end of January
Once the network is operational in a project area, customers who signed up for service will be contacted to schedule service installations.
Service Applications Still Accepted for Fiber Optic Connection
Residents and businesses in these expansion areas who did not sign up for services already are welcome to do so at any time, The cooperative will still install the fiber optic connection up to the location with no construction fee. When the network can be installed depends upon when the service application is received. Service applications can be completed online at http://www.paulbunyan.net, by phone, or in person at our Grand Rapids Customer Service & Technology Center.
Services Available Upon Completion
Once the network is live, customers will have access to Paul Bunyan’s GigaZone® services, including high-speed fiber-optic Internet with speeds up to 10 Gig and dependable, low-cost unlimited local and long-distance GigaZone® voice services.

Paul Bunyan Communications expands FTTH to 480+ homes and businesses in Coleraine

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Paul Bunyan Communications reports…

Paul Bunyan Communications has completed expanding its all-fiber optic network, the GigaZone®, to over 480 homes and businesses in the city of Coleraine. Those who have signed up for service are being contacted to set up service installation.
““Reliable, high-speed Internet is a necessity in today’s world, and we’re thrilled to bring our broadband technologies and services to Coleraine. We have built an advanced, all-fiber optic network and will continue to extend that network to more areas of the Iron Range in the years to come,” said Chad Bullock, Paul Bunyan Communications CEO/General Manager.
“We’re proud to bring world class connectivity to the city of Coleraine,” said Leo Anderson, Chief Technology Officer at Paul Bunyan Communications. “Our GigaZone all-fiber optic network opens up new possibilities for residents and businesses alike, allowing them to connect and thrive.”
Anyone interested in getting connected to the all-fiber optic broadband network in these areas can still sign up for service. The cooperative will return to bring the network up to locations with no construction fee when feasible.
There is no membership fee to join Paul Bunyan Communications, membership is included by subscribing to either local phone service or GigaZone® Internet service.
To check to see if a specific location is within an expansion area and learn more about the expansion construction process, visit www.gigazone.com

Paul Bunyan Communications completes broadband expansion in French and Bearville(S) Townships

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Paul Bunyan Communications reports…

Paul Bunyan Communications has completed expanding its all-fiber optic network, the GigaZone®, to areas of French and Bearville(S) Township that included over 200 homes and businesses. This expansion included areas east and north of Side Lake including Perch Lake, Luna Lake, and Beatrice Lake. Those who have signed up for service are being contacted to set up service installation.
“We remain fully committed to bringing all-fiber optic gigabit broadband to the underserved areas in our region. Reliable Internet is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity, and we’re proud to now serve more of the French and Bearville Townships.” said Chad Bullock, Paul Bunyan Communications CEO/General Manager.
“This is a major upgrade for both residents and businesses,” said Leo Anderson, Chief Technology Officer at Paul Bunyan Communications. “With our all-fiber optic network now offering Internet speeds up to 10 Gig, things like remote work, distance learning, telehealth, and streaming are not only possible, but they are seamless. It is a true game changer for these communities.”
Anyone interested in getting connected to the all-fiber optic broadband network in these areas can still sign up for service. The cooperative will return to bring the network up to locations with no construction fee when feasible.
There is no membership fee to join Paul Bunyan Communications, membership is included by subscribing to either local phone service or GigaZone® Internet service.
To check to see if a specific location is within an expansion area and learn more about the expansion construction process, visit http://www.gigazone.com
This project was made possible through the USDA ReConnect 3 Grant Program. The grant area also included areas of Pike, Sandy, and Wuori Townships and is estimated to cost $13,588,555 with the USDA grant contributing $10,191,416. Paul Bunyan Communications investing $3,381,112, and Wuori Township contributing $16,026.

Paul Bunyan Communication expands to Itasca and St. Louis Counties

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From Paul Bunyan Communication…

The end of construction season is near and Paul Bunyan Communications is still on track to complete its planned broadband expansion projects across parts of Itasca and St. Louis Counties. The first project started this year was Sandy, Pike and Wuori townships and the network is now in service!
Status of Paul Bunyan Communications Broadband Expansion projects:
• Itasca County:
City of Coleraine- Construction is done, fiber splicing is almost done. Services expected to become available by the end of October
City of Bovey- Construction is in progress. Services expected to become available by mid-December
Bearville(s) Township- Construction is done. Fiber splicing will start this month. Services expected to become available by mid-November
• St. Louis County:
Sandy Pike, & Wuori Township- COMPLETED. Network is operational and services are now available.
Alango, Angora, & Owens Township- Construction is done, fiber splicing is in progress. Services should become available by end of October.
Balkan Township- Construction is in progress. Services expected to become available by end of December
French Township- Construction is done. Fiber splicing is in progress. Services expected to be available by early November
Great Scott Township & unorganized township north of Great Scott- Construction has started. Services projected to be available by end of January
Once the network is operational in a project area, customers who signed up for service will be contacted to schedule service installations.
Service Applications Still Accepted for Fiber Optic Connection
 Residents and businesses in these expansion areas who did not sign up for services already are welcome to do so at any time, The cooperative will still install the fiber optic connection up to the location with no construction fee. When the network can be installed depends upon when the service application is received. Service applications can be completed online at www.paulbunyan.net, by phone, or in person at our Grand Rapids Customer Service & Technology Center.
Services Available Upon Completion
Once the network is live, customers will have access to Paul Bunyan’s GigaZone® services, including high-speed fiber-optic Internet with speeds up to 10 Gig and dependable, low-cost unlimited local and long-distance GigaZone® voice services.