Category Archives: Cooperatives

East Central Energy Cooperative CEO talks data centers in Chisago County

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Chisago County Press reports…

The President and CEO for the East Central Energy Cooperative, Justin Jahnz, assured the public in attendance at a recent meeting in North Branch City Hall,  that any data center looking to utilize power from the local system is at least five years away from reality.  There is no part of the ECE system, at least, that is prepared to supply distribution of power to facilitate any “hyperscale’ facility at this time.

Also, should a data center or other high energy user like crypto mining—propose a facility in the Chisago County area;  if they wish to connect to the grid through ECE, “…they will pay upfront costs of any system improvements,” Jahnz added.

ECE has 70,000 members and covers 14 counties in east, north central Minnesota and the upper west edge of Wisconsin.  North Branch sold its municipal power assets to the cooperative a few years ago.  The North Branch area also is in service territories for Xcel and Connexus.

As a trained electrician and someone who has been involved with the cooperative for 18 years; Jahnz advised the North Branch City Council members to stick with what the city has the ability to control as it considers ordinances to regulate these highly controversial projects.  “To the degree we (ECE) can be a resource, we are happy to do that,” he added.

Paul Bunyan Communication expands broadband to 600 locations in Itasca and St. Louis Counties

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Paul Bunyan Communications announces…

Construction is finishing up on Paul Bunyan Communications’ all-fiber optic broadband expansion project in Itasca and St. Louis Counties, with the GigaZone® all-fiber optic Internet & WiFi becoming available to over 600 homes and businesses over the next few months.
The western most part of the project is done and services are now available. This includes portions of Carpenter Township and the unorganized township east of Carpenter Township.
Construction in Sturgeon Township and the western part of Alango Township is done with fiber splicing in progress. Service installations are expected to begin by early December.
Construction is finishing up in Field Township and northern Alango Township. Once completed fiber splicing will begin. Service installations are expected to begin over winter.
“We’re excited to be installing services in the areas we’ve completed so far, and we expect the project to be completed as planned,” said Chad Bullock, CEO of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Reliable internet is critical for work, education, healthcare, and staying connected, and we are proud to start delivering that through our all-fiber optic network to more homes and businesses in St. Louis and Itasca Counties.”
Those included in the expansion will have access to GigaZone® Internet and WiFi, offering speeds up to 10 Gig and the reliability needed to support today’s connected homes and businesses. Voice services, including unlimited local and long-distance calling, will also be available. Business customers will benefit from Managed IT Business Services such as VOIP, Disaster Backup and Recovery, and Network Management.
Residents and businesses in any of these areas can sign up anytime. If the cooperative cannot bring the network up the location before winter, crews will return to make that connection and install services in the spring.
To check availability or sign up for service, visit http://www.paulbunyan.net, call, or stop by the Grand Rapids Customer Service & Technology Center. There is no membership fee to join the cooperative; membership begins when subscribing to GigaZone® Internet or local phone service.
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 Communication almost done on all-fiber broadband expansion in Central Aitkin County

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Paul Bunyan Communications announces…

Construction is winding down on Paul Bunyan Communications major all-fiber optic broadband expansion project in central Aitkin County, with the GigaZone® all-fiber optic Internet & WiFi becoming available to over 1,800 homes and businesses over the next few months.
This expansion covers a wide area of Central Aitkin County including the cities of McGregor, Palisade, and Tamarack, along with portions of Clark, Haugen, Jevne, Libby, Logan, McGregor, Shamrock, and Workman Townships.

  • City of Palisade and rural areas east, south, and west of Palisade.
    The project is completed with services now available.
  • City of McGregor
    Construction is done. Fiber splicing is underway with services anticipated becoming available by the end of the year.
  • Current Construction
    Our construction crews are working in the city of Tamarack and the Round Lake/Horseshoe Lake area of Shamrock Township. Services are expected to become available over the winter.
  • Permit Delays
    Unfortunately, we have run into unusually long delays in getting the necessary permits for a few areas of this project. This impacts around 600 locations and as a result we will have to wait until the 2027 construction season to complete those areas of the project. These areas are highlighted in purple on our online map at https://paulbunyan.net/gigazone/availability-map/
    “We’re nearing the finish line on a majority of this important project,” said Chad Bullock, CEO of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Reliable internet is critical for work, education, healthcare, and staying connected, and we’re proud to start delivering that to more homes and businesses in Aitkin County.”
    Those included in this expansion will have access to GigaZone® Internet and WiFi, offering speeds up to 10 Gig and the reliability needed to support today’s connected homes and businesses. Voice services, including unlimited local and long-distance calling, will also be available. Business customers will benefit from Managed IT Business Services such as VOIP, Disaster Backup and Recovery, and Network Management.
    Residents and businesses in any of these areas can sign up anytime. If the cooperative cannot bring the network up the location before winter, crews will return to make that connection and install services in the spring. There is no membership fee to join the cooperative; membership begins when subscribing to GigaZone® Internet or local phone service.
    To check availability or sign up for service, visit http://www.paulbunyan.net, call, or stop by the Grand Rapids Customer Service & Technology Center.

Updates on Paul Bunyan Communication’s Expansion to City of Hibbing

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Good news from Paul Bunyan Communications…

Paul Bunyan Communications has made great progress on expanding its GigaZone® all-fiber optic network in an area southwest of downtown Hibbing and is adding another area to the expansion construction this fall.
The new expansion area added to this year’s plan includes over 140 locations in an area south of Hwy 169 between MN Hwy 73 and 1st Avenue stretching just south of S 47th Street. It includes parts of 11th Ave W, Newberg Rd, Aspen Knoll, Opal Lane, Aspen Grove, Diamond CT, and Meadow Drive.
Construction will take place over the next few weeks with services expected to be available over the winter. To get connected, residents and businesses just need to sign up for service. That can be done online at https://paulbunyan.net/ or in person at our Grand Rapids Customer Service & Technology Center.
Construction is almost done on the first area of expansion that includes over 700 locations in an area that stretches from Hwy 169 east to 1st Avenue and north to 28th Street West. It includes portions of Ansley Rd, Corey Tracts Rd, 1st-9th Ave W, Dillon Rd, and 28th-41st St W.
There is no construction fee to get connected and there is no membership fee to join the cooperative. Membership begins when you subscribe to GigaZone® Internet or local phone service.
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.
“It’s important for anyone in the expansion area who wants to get connected to sign up as soon as possible. By signing up before construction crews stop for the winter, you’ll be able to have your services installed once the network becomes operational. We will return to connect additional locations in the future, but those who wait to sign up may not be able to get connected until next summer,” said Brian Bissonette, Paul Bunyan Communications Marketing Supervisor.
For more than 70 years, Paul Bunyan Communications has brought the latest communications technology to communities across northern Minnesota. Today, the cooperative provides high-quality, reliable Internet & WiFi services across more than 6,000 square miles, including neighboring rural communities and cities such as Buhl, Cook, Britt, Marble, Nashwauk, and Keewatin.
The cooperative will expand even further in the city of Hibbing in 2027. More information on those plans will be released once finalized.

Paul Bunyan Communications Starts Expansion Construction in Hibbing (St Louis County)

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Paul Bunyan Communications announces…

Paul Bunyan Communications has started expanding its GigaZone® all-fiber optic network in an area of southwest downtown Hibbing.
This expansion project includes over 800 locations in an area that stretches from Old Hwy 169 east to 1st Avenue and north to 28th Street West. It includes portions of Ansley Rd, Corey Tracts Rd, 1st-9th Ave W, Dillon Rd, and 28th-41st St W.
Construction will take place over the next few weeks with services expected to be available over the winter. To get connected, residents and businesses need to sign up for service. Sign up online at https://paulbunyan.net/ or in person at our Grand Rapids Customer Service & Technology Center. The cooperative is also holding an in-person sign up day event on Tuesday, October 13 from 3-7 p.m. at the Hibbing City Memorial Building at 400 East 23rd Street.
There is no construction fee to get connected and there is no membership fee to join the cooperative. Membership begins when you subscribe to GigaZone® Internet or local phone service.
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.
“It’s important for anyone in the expansion area who wants to get connected to sign up within the next few weeks. By signing up before construction crews leave the area, you’ll be in the best position to have your services installed once the network becomes operational this winter. We will return to connect additional locations in the future, but those who wait to sign up may not be able to get connected until next summer,”said Brian Bissonette, Paul Bunyan Communications Marketing Supervisor.
For more than 70 years, Paul Bunyan Communications has brought the latest communications technology to communities across northern Minnesota. Today, the cooperative provides high-quality, reliable Internet & WiFi services across more than 6,000 square miles, including neighboring rural communities and cities such as Buhl, Cook, Britt, Marble, Nashwauk, and Keewatin.
The cooperative will expand further in the city of Hibbing in 2027. More information on those plans will be released once finalized.

Paul Bunyan Communications announces expansion to Hibbing (St Louis County)

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Paul Bunyan Communications announces...

Paul Bunyan Communications will be expanding its GigaZone® all-fiber optic network to the city of Hibbing and is asking residents and businesses complete a survey to help the cooperative determine the timeline and scope of the project.
The short online survey is available online at hibbingsurvey.com and will remain open through October 14.
“We serve portions of the rural areas around the city of Hibbing, and we’ve heard from several residents and businesses of the community who are interested in our service,” said Chad Bullock, CEO/General Manager of Paul Bunyan Communications. “This survey will give the entire Hibbing community an opportunity to let us know directly if they would like us to bring GigaZone all-fiber optic Internet & our full suite of technology services to their homes and businesses”.
The cooperative has already determined it will start expansion construction soon in two areas of the city of Hibbing that includes over 880 locations. To check to see if your location is in this fall’s expansion plans and to sign up visit https://paulbunyan.net/gigazone/availability-map/
For more than 70 years, Paul Bunyan Communications has brought the latest communications technology to communities across northern Minnesota. Today, the cooperative provides high-quality, reliable Internet & WiFi services across more than 6,000 square miles, including neighboring rural communities and cities such as Buhl, Cook, Britt, Marble, Nashwauk, and Keewatin.
As a member-owned cooperative, Paul Bunyan Communications carefully evaluates potential expansion opportunities. Community interest, available funding, construction logistics, and the need for services are among the factors considered when determining where to expand its all-fiber optic network.
“We want to hear from Hibbing,” Bullock added. “The more information we have about the level of interest throughout the city, the better we can establish the scope and timelines for the project”.
Hibbing residents and businesses interested in GigaZone® Internet & WiFi are encouraged to complete the short survey at hibbingsurvey.com. There is no obligation to sign up for service by completing the survey.
More information about Paul Bunyan Communications, including services and pricing is available at paulbunyan.net.

State broadband offices (and some industry groups) are exhausted with BEAD

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Fierce Network reports...

According to interviews and research from the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society, state broadband officers (SBOs) are exhausted by the challenges and shifting dynamics of implementing the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.

Leaders from the Benton Institute have interviewed over 30 SBOs, so far, about what it is taking to implement BEAD. And Dr. Ravati Prasad of the Benton Institute talked about the takeaways from those conversations in a recent Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) webinar.

“The people who are in charge of overseeing this work are feeling exhausted,” said Prasad. “It’s been a long haul, and more than one person said to us, ‘Just want to get it done.’ Their legislatures aren’t exactly hostile to broadband; their governors aren’t hostile to broadband. They’re just not particularly interested in talking about it anymore.”

The Minnesota Broadband Task Force has monthly meetings, where Bree Maki from the Office of Broadband Development gives an update. (See notes and video from September’s meeting.) She shares her experience working with limited and changing information from the funder and trying to manage expectations with the providers.

The providers are also feeling the pinch, as demonstrated by an industry group asking for changes to BEAD…

NRECA is urging the Trump administration to overhaul implementation of the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program to ensure BEAD meets its statutory goal to connect every American home and business with reliable, high-speed internet.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced a new round of available BEAD funding on Sept. 3 that NRECA CEO Jim Matheson said continues the program’s “misguided” approach that could leave rural communities behind.

Paul Bunyan Communications nearing completion on FTTH broadband expansion in central Aitkin County

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Paul Bunyan Communications announces…

Construction is nearing completion on Paul Bunyan Communications major all-fiber optic broadband expansion project in central Aitkin County, bringing the GigaZone® all-fiber optic network one step closer to more than 1,800 homes and businesses.
This expansion is taking place across a wide area of Central Aitkin County including the cities of McGregor, Palisade, and Tamarack, along with portions of Clark, Haugen, Jevne, Libby, Logan, McGregor, Shamrock, and Workman Townships.
City of Palisade and rural areas east, south, and west of Palisade
The project is completed with services now available.
City of McGregor
Construction is done. Fiber splicing is underway with services anticipated becoming available by the end of the year.
Current Construction
Our construction crews are working east of Sandy Lake reservoir and around the town of Tamarack. They will soon be starting work in the Round Lake/Horseshoe Lake area of Shamrock Township.
Permit Delays
Unfortunately, we have run into unusually long delays in getting the necessary permits for a few areas of this project. This impacts around 600 locations and as a result we will have to wait until the 2027 construction season to complete those areas of the project. These areas are highlighted in purple on our online map at https://paulbunyan.net/gigazone/availability-map/
“We’re excited to be nearing the finish line on this important project,” said Chad Bullock, CEO of Paul Bunyan Communications. “This expansion reflects our continued commitment to bringing essential, high-speed broadband to underserved areas. Reliable internet is critical for work, education, healthcare, and staying connected, and we’re proud to deliver that through our all-fiber optic network.”
Once activated, customers will have access to GigaZone® Internet and WiFi, offering speeds up to 10 Gig and the reliability needed to support today’s connected homes and businesses. Voice services, including unlimited local and long-distance calling, will also be available. Business customers will benefit from Managed IT Business Services such as VOIP, Disaster Backup and Recovery, and Network Management.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up now if they have not already done so to ensure timely connection as service becomes available. There is no membership fee to join the cooperative; membership begins when subscribing to GigaZone® Internet or local phone service.
To check availability or sign up for service, visit http://www.paulbunyan.net, call, or stop by the Grand Rapids Customer Service & Technology Center.

EVENT Sep 16: Agenda: Broadband Task Force, September Meeting

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Agenda: Broadband Task Force, September Meeting

Date: 09/16/2026

Virtual Meeting

Join the meeting now.

· Meeting ID and Pass Code: 18 112 018 401 05 and g9vy2Ey3

· Dial in by phone: +1 651-395-7448,,412958004# United States, Minneapolis · Join on a video conferencing device: Tenant key: mn@m.webex.com, Video ID: 112 721 027 1

Meeting Agenda

10:00 a.m. – 10:05 a.m.

Welcome from Teddy Bekele, Chair, Minnesota Governor’s Task Force on Broadband and approval of minutes from June Task Force meeting.

10:05 a.m. – 10:35 a.m.

Amy Baldwin, Community Development Director, CDA & HRA Executive Director, Otter Tail County, overview of work on innovation around addressing the digital divide.

10:35 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Office of Broadband Development (OBD) overview and updates from Bree Maki (Executive Director, OBD).

10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

John Horrigan, Senior Fellow, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, presentation considering challenges and next steps of Minnesota’s state speed goals.

11:30 a.m. – 11:35 a.m.

Open the floor to other business, October’s meeting plans, and meeting wrap-up.

11:35 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Close with time for subgroups to meet to discuss initial thoughts on the annual report.

Paul Bunyan Communications is almost done with broadband expansion in Hubbard County

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Paul Bunyan Communications announces…

broadband expansion project in Hubbard County, bringing the GigaZone® all-fiber optic network one step closer to more than 220 homes and businesses.
This expansion is taking place in two areas of Hubbard County:
Areas of Henrietta and Todd Townships south of Fishhook Lake
The area south of Fishhook Lake is finished and services are now available. Todd Township construction will begin soon and is expected to be completed by the end of construction season.
Areas south and west of Long Lake in Hubbard Township. Construction is almost done. Fiber splicing will follow with services anticipated becoming available by the end of the year.
“We’re excited to be nearing the finish line on this important project,” said Chad Bullock, CEO of Paul Bunyan Communications. “This expansion reflects our continued commitment to bringing essential, high-speed broadband to underserved areas. Reliable internet is critical for work, education, healthcare, and staying connected, and we’re proud to deliver that through our all-fiber optic network.”
Once activated, customers will have access to GigaZone® Internet and WiFi, offering speeds up to 10 Gig and the reliability needed to support today’s connected homes and businesses. Voice services, including unlimited local and long-distance calling, will also be available. Business customers will benefit from Managed IT Business Services such as VOIP, Disaster Backup and Recovery, and Network Management.
“This project represents a significant upgrade for these townships,” said Leo Anderson, Chief Technology Officer of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Our all-fiber optic network is built for performance and future growth, ensuring these communities have the connectivity they need for years to come.”
Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up now if they have not already done so to ensure timely connection as service becomes available. There is no membership fee to join the cooperative; membership begins when subscribing to GigaZone® Internet or local phone service.
To check availability or sign up for service, visit http://www.paulbunyan.net, call, or stop by the cooperative’s headquarters in Bemidji.
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.

Paul Bunyan Communications is nearing completion on broadband expansion in Itasca and St. Louis Counties

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From Paul Bunyan Communications…

Construction is nearing completion on the major all-fiber optic broadband expansion project in Itasca and St. Louis Counties, bringing the GigaZone® all-fiber optic network one step closer to more than 600 homes and businesses.
The western most part of the project is done and services are now available. This includes portions of Carpenter Township and the unorganized township east of Carpenter Township.
Construction in Sturgeon Township and the western part of Alango Township is done with fiber splicing underway. Service installations are expected to begin by the end of October.
Construction is now taking place in Field Township and northern Alango Township. Once completed fiber splicing will begin. Service installations are expected to begin over winter.
“We’re excited to be nearing the finish line on this important project,” said Chad Bullock, CEO of Paul Bunyan Communications. “This expansion reflects our continued commitment to bringing essential, high-speed broadband to underserved areas. Reliable internet is critical for work, education, healthcare, and staying connected, and we are proud to deliver that through our all-fiber optic network.”
Once activated, customers will have access to GigaZone® Internet and WiFi, offering speeds up to 10 Gig and the reliability needed to support today’s connected homes and businesses. Voice services, including unlimited local and long-distance calling, will also be available. Business customers will benefit from Managed IT Business Services such as VOIP, Disaster Backup and Recovery, and Network Management.
“This project represents a significant upgrade for these townships,” said Leo Anderson, Chief Technology Officer of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Our all-fiber optic network is built for performance and future growth, ensuring these communities have the connectivity they need for years to come.”
Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up now if they have not already done so to ensure timely connection as service becomes available. There is no membership fee to join the cooperative; membership begins when subscribing to GigaZone® Internet or local phone service.
To check availability or sign up for service, visit http://www.paulbunyan.net, call, or stop by the Grand Rapids Customer Service & Technology Center.
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.

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association asks for flexibility with new BEAD funding round

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The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) announces…

NRECA CEO Jim Matheson today issued the following statement after the National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA) announced a new round of Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program funding to be made available for states to address locations that may remain unserved.

“BEAD’s initial investment is failing rural America. Delayed implementation, shifting guidance, cost constraints and unrealistic funding assumptions have slowed progress, discouraged participation and weakened a historic opportunity to bring long-overdue broadband service to rural communities. Directing further investment under the same misguided approach will not deliver universal connectivity to rural America.

“NTIA must allow flexibility for cost increases created by program delays, align funding levels with the actual cost of deploying broadband infrastructure in America’s hardest-to-reach communities and remove fatally flawed pole attachment rules that clearly break from long-standing federal policy. Without correcting course, BEAD risks leaving rural America behind.”

More than 200 rural electric cooperatives across the U.S. are working to bridge the digital divide. NTIA and State Broadband Offices are important partners in amplifying these efforts and expanding access to affordable broadband in rural areas.

Lismore Cooperative Telephone updates Nobles County Board on FTTP network and line extension progress

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The Globe reports…

The Nobles County Board of Commissioners received an update on Lismore Cooperative Telephone’s Fiber to Home broadband project at their Tuesday meeting. Lismore Cooperative – the firm that will own and operate the broadband services involved – General Manager Travis Halbur and Finley Engineering associates presented.

Whitney Adler, the project manager with Finley, said there are two projects going at the same time: the Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) project and a line extension project .

The FTTP project – which kicked off in August 2025 – will cover roughly 650 total route miles, with about 123 miles going specifically to people’s homes. Around 1,443 potential customers will be impacted.

As of right now, the project is in phase one.

“Most of the design, permitting, contracts is all complete; construction is going on,” Adler said. “We’re about 71% through phase one construction, 28% through the overall, all four phases. Phase two will be starting real soon in the near future.”

According to Adler, the project has exhausted a quarter of its $13 million grant so far. About $9.85 million remains in the budget.

“We have three mainline (plow) crews going, one drop crew, a few splicing crews, and the goal ultimately is to get about three to four miles plowed per day just to get the customers of Nobles County basically in line with fiber,” Adler said.

The line extension project covers 16.5 route miles and 4.5 total drop miles, serving an estimated 56 potential customers. With two mainline plow crews, the project’s expected completion is no later than Dec. 31, 2026.

Minnesota Rural Electric Association’s Energy Issues Summit includes power and data center discussions

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KFGO reports…

As Minnesota electric cooperatives navigate rising infrastructure costs, increasing demand for electricity and significant changes in the nation’s energy landscape, affordability and reliability emerged as a theme during the Minnesota Rural Electric Association’s Energy Issues Summit held August 5-6 in Bloomington, Minnesota.

More than 200 cooperative leaders, directors and industry experts gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of electricity in Minnesota. Topics ranged from grid reliability and data center growth to energy policy and economic trends. Besides a myriad of topics, the conference started off with a presentation about affordability and trends in the industry.

More on data centers…

Conference sessions explored how emerging trends such as large-scale data centers are adding to electricity demand while also presenting opportunities if growth is managed appropriately. Industry experts discussed the importance of ensuring new large electric loads pay their fair share of system costs while helping spread fixed costs across more consumers.

Some electric cooperatives lose interest in BEAD due to pole attachment rule changes

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Telecompetitor reports…

Pole attachment requirements added late in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program rollout have become a sticking point for electric cooperatives, already pushing some out of the program. In an interview with Telecompetitor, NRECA CEO Jim Matheson said the BEAD provision marks a sharp break from decades of federal policy and is one reason several cooperatives have decided the program is no longer worth pursuing.

Under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA’s) revised terms, an electric cooperative that accepts BEAD funding for any part of its territory becomes subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) pole attachment rates across its entire service area, not only the funded portion.

Electric cooperatives have long been exempt from FCC pole attachment regulation under Section 224 of the Communications Act, which caps the rates pole owners may charge companies that string broadband lines and sets deadlines for processing attachment requests. Cooperatives set their rates locally, and Congress preserved the exemption in recognition of the sparsely populated, hard-to-serve areas co-ops typically cover.