Category Archives: FTTH

Mediacom brings Gig+ service to Webster and Elko New Market (Rice and Scott Counties)

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Global Newswire reports…

Mediacom Communications today announced the company has launched multi-gig and symmetrical speed broadband services to nearly 1,800 households located in the rural Minnesota communities of Webster and Elko New Market.

Utilizing breakthrough technology to enhance the company’s fiber-powered network, Mediacom has created a more responsive end-to-end customer experience that prioritizes faster upload and download speeds, uncompromised network reliability, safe and secure connections, and lower latency.

Utilizing the new platform, Webster and Elko New Market residents will be able to choose from the following Xtream Internet offerings from Mediacom:

  • Internet 300 tier with speeds of 300 Mbps down and 100 Mbps up.
  • Internet 1 Gig Symmetrical tier with speeds of 1000 Mbps down by 1000 Mbps up.
  • Internet 2 Gig Unlimited tier with speeds of 2000 Mbps down by 1000 Mbps up.

The scalability of these network improvements will seamlessly allow Mediacom to ramp up from the one and two gigabit offerings of today to speeds of 10 gigabits and beyond in the coming years. Since this new technology is delivered using Mediacom’s existing fiber-rich network architecture, it was not necessary to dig up yards to add bulky equipment or bury cables.

Paul Bunyan Communications broadband expansion updates in Itasca and St. Louis Counties

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An update from Paul Bunyan Communications...

Paul Bunyan Communications is making steady progress on its broadband expansion across parts of Itasca and St. Louis Counties.
Current Construction Areas:
•Itasca County: City of Coleraine
•St. Louis County: Areas of Alango, Angora, Owens, and Sandy Township
Construction is currently in progress. Once construction is complete, crews will begin the fiber splicing phase. The new network is expected to be fully operational by the end of September. At that time, customers who signed up for service in advance will be contacted to schedule service installations.
Future 2025 Expansion Areas:
•Itasca County: City of Bovey and areas of Bearville Township
•St. Louis County: Areas of Balkan, French, Great Scott, Pike, and Wuori Townships, along with the unorganized township located north of Great Scott
Construction in these areas will begin once current projects are completed. The network is expected to be operational and ready for service in these locations by late fall or early winter of 2025.
Sign Up Now to Ensure Fiber Optic Connection Residents and businesses in these expansion areas are encouraged to sign up for service now, before construction crews move on to ensure the fiber optic connection is brought up to the location. That can be done online at http://www.gigazone.com, 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.

Fiber Connect panel finds fiber deployment problems stem from construction and permits

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Fierce Network reports…

As fiber deployments surge, so do the various challenges associated with building. Speakers on a Fiber Connect panel voiced their main deployment gripes, from permitting and poles to disrupting community infrastructure.

One set of problems relates to construction…

“Anyone who thinks a fiber business is a technology business is sorely mistaken,” said Greg Wilson, founder and CEO of Ripple Fiber. It’s more of a construction business, where any large project faces challenges with labor, permitting, regulation snags and the like.

Construction is a hot mess, according to Mitchell J. Campagna, president and CEO of architecture firm Mitchell J. Architecture.

Another set of problems relates to permitting…

For many fiber operators, securing pole attachments can be difficult, stacking up permitting requirements, panelists noted.

AT&T to Acquire Lumen’s Mass Markets Fiber Business

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AT&T reports…

AT&T agrees to acquire substantially all of Lumen’s Mass Markets fiber internet connectivity business in a deal that’s expected to close in the first half of 2026

Transaction to stimulate investment, expand world-class connectivity in the U.S., create new jobs and make high-speed fiber internet access available to millions of Americans

AT&T will extend its industry-leading fiber network with plans to reach approximately 60 million total fiber locations by year-end 2030.

Key Takeaways:

  • AT&T will acquire substantially all of Lumen’s Mass Markets fiber business, which today totals about 1 million fiber customers and reaches more than 4 million fiber locations across 11 U.S. states.
  • AT&T reiterates full-year 2025 financial and operational guidance and share repurchase plans.

How might this impact customers in Minnesota (or at least the Twin Cities)?

The transaction will enable AT&T to significantly expand access to AT&T Fiber in major metro areas like Denver, Las Vegas, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Orlando, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City and Seattle, as well as additional geographies. AT&T expects this transaction to deliver significant value to consumers, shareholders and the Company.

Highlights include:

  • Expanding the availability of AT&T Fiber. AT&T expects to significantly grow the number of AT&T Fiber customers within the acquired fiber footprint, using its extensive distribution, the strengths of AT&T Fiber, and the value of the AT&T Guarantee. Over time, AT&T expects to increase fiber customer penetration within the acquired footprint to levels more consistent with its current penetration of AT&T Fiber.
  • Accelerating an efficient build engine for constructing fiber home internet connectivity outside of AT&T’s traditional wireline operating region. Through this transaction, AT&T will gain access to Lumen’s substantial fiber construction capabilities within its incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC) footprint and plans to accelerate the pace at which fiber is being built in these territories. AT&T now expects to reach approximately 60 million total fiber locations by the end of 2030 – roughly doubling where AT&T Fiber is available today.
  • Giving American consumers more choice when selecting broadband and wireless services the way they prefer – with fiber and 5G together. Customers with both AT&T Fiber and the Company’s wireless services are more likely to recommend AT&T, remain customers longer and provide the best returns. AT&T expects that its ability to offer 5G wireless and fiber broadband connectivity within Lumen’s Mass Markets fiber footprint will enable the Company to grow its base of high-value converged customer relationships and drive gains in its Mobility business.

 

Mediacom launches multi-gig broadband in Arlington (Sibley County)

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Globe News Wire reports…

 Mediacom Communications today announced the company has launched multi-gig and symmetrical speed broadband services to just over 1,000 households located in the rural Minnesota community of Arlington.

Utilizing breakthrough technology to enhance the company’s fiber-powered network, Mediacom has created a more responsive end-to-end customer experience that prioritizes faster upload and download speeds, uncompromised network reliability, safe and secure connections, and lower latency.

Utilizing the new platform, Arlington residents will be able to choose from the following Xtream Internet offerings from Mediacom:

  • Internet 300 tier with speeds of 300 Mbps down and 100 Mbps up.
  • Internet 1 Gig Symmetrical tier with speeds of 1000 Mbps down by 1000 Mbps up.
  • Internet 2 Gig Unlimited tier with speeds of 2000 Mbps down by 1000 Mbps up.
    The scalability of these network improvements will seamlessly allow Mediacom to ramp up from the one and two gigabit offerings of today to speeds of 10 gigabits and beyond in the coming years. Since this new technology is delivered using Mediacom’s existing fiber-rich network architecture, it was not necessary to dig up yards to add bulky equipment or bury cables.

Mediacom is now able to enhance the performance of these speeds even further using Advanced WiFi, a whole-home WiFi solution featuring eero’s TrueMesh designed to deliver an exceptional Internet connectivity experience throughout the entire house powered by eero 7 technology. With the recent launch of Mediacom Mobile, customers can take their Mediacom service on the go while enjoying access to America’s most awarded wireless network.

Burnsville License Center closed due to a fiber internet outage

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Here’s the news from Dakota County Facebook page…

The Burnsville License Center is currently closed due to a fiber optic internet outage.
Burnhaven Library remains open, but internet access is currently unavailable. We will share updates as soon as service is restored.
Thank you for your patience as we work to resolve this issue.
It looks like it was restored the next day (today). But it’s a reminder of how integral broadband is to daily life.

Update on Connect Willmar Initiative – open access network in Kandiyohi County

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I wrote about the new Connection Willmar Initiative portal earlier this week, but the West Central Tribune has an update…

The Connect Willmar Initiative marketplace had 65 sign-ups prior to the evening meeting of the Willmar City Council on Monday. The site had launched three days prior to that on May 2.

That information was part of an update from City Operations Director Kyle Box on the Connect Willmar Initiative, a city effort to construct a $24.5 million open-access, high-speed fiber network throughout the city of Willmar.

The marketplace website, which can be reached from the city website at willmarmn.gov, allows residents to sign up for services and for project updates, while allowing the city to gauge residents’ and businesses’ interest.

The interest shown by the city’s residents and businesses will help assure the council and the city that the network will pay for itself as designed.

Gateway Fiber building broadband in Shoreview (Ramsey County)

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Business Wire reports…

With the cut of a ribbon, high-speed internet provider Gateway Fiber has officially started construction on its 100% fiber-optic internet service to Shoreview, Minnesota, bringing residents and businesses access to symmetrical multi-gig connectivity that will transform their internet experience. This expansion is part of Gateway Fiber’s ongoing efforts to enhance internet connectivity across the Minneapolis metro area.

More information…

Shoreview residents will receive timely updates as construction progresses, including information on connecting to the new service. Each neighborhood under construction will be informed of progress through door hangers, with contact information for questions. Residents and businesses in Shoreview can visit gatewayfiber.com to check availability, sign up for service, and receive updates on the construction process.

Connect Willmar Initiative now accepting fiber pre-orders

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The West Central Tribune reports…

The city of Willmar on Friday announced the launching of its online marketplace for the Connect Willmar Initiative.

The Connect Willmar Initiative is a community-driven effort to bring open-access, high-speed fiber internet to the city of Willmar, according to the news release.

“The launch of the marketplace marks an exciting milestone in our mission to deliver fast, reliable and affordable broadband to every corner of Willmar,” Willmar City Councilor Justin Ask said in the news release. “This is more than just internet — it’s about creating access, opportunity and a connected future for our entire community.”

The city has engaged the resources of Silverlight Fiber Network, which specializes in open-access networks, to provide a digital platform for information and customer sign-ups.

The Connect Willmar Initiative Marketplace, available now at silverlight-fiber.com/willmar, allows residents and businesses to view, select and compare the services and pricing of all participating internet service providers, according to the news release.

Sherburne County supports BEAD applications with four broadband providers

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The Patriot reports...

The Sherburne County Board has again confirmed its commitment to bring broadband to all areas of the county.

Tuesday, the board approved individual letters of support and a commitment of $500 each to assist Frontier Communications, Midcontinent Communications (Midco), Arvig and Windstream in their pursuits of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program (BEAD) grant dollars for eligible projects located within Sherburne County.

BEAD Program provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed Internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs.

Frontier, Midco, Arvig, and Windstream all plan to submit individual BEAD grant applications for grant-eligible locations in Sherburne County. The application process awards points for both local support and for financial commitment.

Frontier’s project would connect 184 eligible locations in Clear Lake, Haven, and Palmer Townships.

Midco’s projects would connect eligible locations that include the cities of Baldwin and Elk River plus Big Lake, Blue Hill, Clear Lake, Haven, Livonia, Palmer, and Santiago townships. If each of the project areas were awarded funds, over 800 locations would be connected.

Arvig’s project would connect 51 eligible locations in Big Lake Township.

Windstream’s project would connect 294 eligible locations in Big Lake and Zimmerman.

Paul Bunyan Communications is expanding the GigaZone to Coleraine and Bovey (Itasca County)

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Paul Bunyan Communications reports…

Paul Bunyan Communications is excited to announce more expansion plans for this year! Our cooperative will be expanding its all-fiber optic network the GigaZone®, to over 800 more locations in the cities of Coleraine and Bovey.
City of Bovey
Includes over 350 locations and construction is anticipated to start in late summer/early fall
City of Coleraine
Includes over 480 locations and construction will start in mid-May.
Construction will take place this construction season with services expected to be available by winter. Anyone interested in getting connected to the all-fiber optic broadband network should sign up for service now. That can be done 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, visit www.gigazone.com
The cooperative’s services will become available once the network is operational including GigaZone™ Internet with speeds of up to 10 Gig and low cost unlimited local and long distance GigaZone™ voice telephone service. There is no membership fee to join Paul Bunyan Communications, membership is gained by subscribing to local phone service or GigaZone™ Internet service.

Paul Bunyan Communications adds 350 more locations to fiber expansion plan in Northern MN (St Louis County)

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Just yesterday, I shared information on Paul Bunyan Communication’s fiber expansion to 1600 locations in Minnesota. But the news just got better with 350 more locations…

Areas of Great Scott Township and unorganized township north of Great Scott Township in St Louis County

This expansion includes over 350 locations in areas of Great Scott Township and an unorganized township north of Great Scott.  This includes Dark Lake, Clear Lake, Lake Fourteen, and Lake Leander.

This project is made possible in part through a St. Louis County Broadband Grant of $400,000 and Iron Range Resource and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) Broadband Grant of $217,000

Paul Bunyan Communications to bring FTTH to more than 1,600 more locations in 2025

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Big news from Paul Bunyan Communications…

Paul Bunyan Communications will be expanding its all-fiber optic network the GigaZone®, to over 1,600 more locations in St. Louis County this year with four different projects.
Areas of Angora, Alango, and Owens Townships in St Louis County
Includes over 300 locations in areas south of the city of Cook.
Areas of Balkan Township in St. Louis County
Includes over 550 locations north of the city of Chisholm in areas of Balkan Township.
These two projects are made possible through the Low-Density Population Grant Program through the state of Minnesota. This project is estimated to cost $7,526,055, with the State of Minnesota’s Low-Population Density Program grant contributing $5,569,281. Paul Bunyan Communications investing $1,881,513, Angora Township $33,104, and Balkan Township $42,157.
Areas of Pike, Sandy, and Wuori Townships
Includes over 645 locations. These areas are primarily South and East of Britt
Areas of French Township in St. Louis County and Bearville(S) Township in Itasca County
Includes over 200 locations East and North of Side Lake including Perch Lake, Luna Lake, and Beatrice Lake.
These two projects are made possible through the USDA ReConnect 3 Grant Program. This project 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.

Construction will take place over the summer with services expected to be available by winter. Anyone interested in getting connected to the all-fiber optic broadband network should sign up for service now. That can be done 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, visit www.gigazone.com

East Central Energy to bring fiber to North Branch

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Isanti-Chisago County Star report...

North Branch residents will soon have access to fiber internet from East Central Energy so state-of-the-art (according to ECE) it outclasses networks in the metro area.

ECE’s broadband manager, Dennis Rice, presented an update on the project to the city council, saying construction of the first stage of the network will likely be complete by August, with fiber connection “drops” to residences starting construction by November.

What’s more, Rice said, ECE members who sign up will pay no fees beyond the monthly cost of service: not for the drop, the in-home equipment, the wi-fi extenders, or even fees for long driveways.

“It’s a tremendous value with that,” Rice told the council.

The five-year project started in 2022 and will cost $350 million total, Rice said. Initial construction will focus on areas with ECE members who do not already have broadband internet access, and will expand eventually to even include non-ECE members.

Mediacom brings multi-gig access in Wells and Winnebago MN (Faribault County)

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Mediacom reports…

Mediacom Communications today announced the company has launched multi-gig and symmetrical speed broadband services to over 2,000 households located in the rural Minnesota communities of Wells and Winnebago.

Utilizing breakthrough technology to enhance the company’s fiber-powered network, Mediacom has created a more responsive end-to-end customer experience that prioritizes faster upload and download speeds, uncompromised network reliability, safe and secure connections, and lower latency.

Utilizing the new platform, Wells and Winnebago residents will be able to choose from the following Xtream Internet offerings from Mediacom:

  • Internet 300 tier with speeds of 300 Mbps down and 100 Mbps up.
  • Internet 1 Gig Symmetrical tier with speeds of 1000 Mbps down by 1000 Mbps up.
  • Internet 2 Gig Unlimited tier with speeds of 2000 Mbps down by 1000 Mbps up.