Category Archives: Vendors

Arvig gets $3.4 million from the MN’s Broadband Line Extension to expand to 446 locations

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Business Insider reports…

Arvig will begin construction this spring on an upgrade project to bring last-mile fiber connectivity to 446 structures in eight Minnesota counties.

Arvig was recently awarded grants totaling $3.4 million from the state’s Broadband Line Extension program after submitting successful lowest-cost bids to serve the locations. Arvig will invest another $442,000 to cover the remaining project costs, bringing the grand total of the project to $3.87 million. Upon completion later this year, 104.3 route miles of new fiber infrastructure will have been constructed.

The locations and number of structures to be served are:

  • Becker County: 71 structures
  • Clay County: 14 structures
  • Kandiyohi County: 37 structures
  • Lyon County: 7 structures
  • Mower County: 20 structures
  • Stearns County: 1 structure
  • Todd County: 277 structures
  • Yellow Medicine County: 19 structures

Bluepeak expands broadband to Fulda and Jasper MN (Murray & Rock Counties)

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Bluepeak announces…

Bluepeak, a leading provider of high‑speed internet, is excited to announce that internet speeds in the communities of Black Hawk, Piedmont, Summerset, Fulda (MN), Jasper (MN), and several areas in and around Rapid City have doubled as part of a recently completed network upgrade. As a result, thousands of homes can now access up to 2 Gig internet, delivering faster downloads, smoother streaming, and improved reliability across every connected device in the home.

In addition, Bluepeak’s 500 Mbps and 1 Gig plans now include symmetrical upload and download speeds. These upgrades provide households with more consistent performance, making it easier to stream, game, and work simultaneously across multiple devices. For more information on the new speeds, residents can check address availability at mybluepeak.com/fasterspeeds.

League of MN Cities take on American Broadband Deployment Act permitting bill

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I wrote about The American Broadband Deployment Act pause button  last week, the League of Minnesota Cities has a more detailed follow up this week…

The measure was removed from the U.S. House Rules Committee agenda after strong opposition from local government groups, including the League and national partners.

The U.S. House Rules Committee was scheduled to consider the American Broadband Deployment Act (H.R. 2289) on April 20, a necessary step before the bill could advance to the full House floor for a vote. After significant advocacy efforts by the League of Minnesota Cities and its national partners, the bill was pulled from the agenda when it became clear it lacked the votes to pass.

In addition to the League, the coordinated efforts included the National League of Cities, National Association of Counties, U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors.

They detailed…

Specifically, the bill as written would:

  • Force taxpayer subsidies. It would replace the current “fair and reasonable” compensation standard with a strict limit based on “actual and direct costs.” This creates a new unfunded mandate that could force Minnesota residents to subsidize the infrastructure costs of private corporations.

  • Allow automatic permit approvals. The bill would codify federal “shot clocks” and add a “deemed granted” penalty. This means that if a city misses a deadline, broadband companies could start construction without local approval. This would take away a city’s ability to protect public safety and manage its streets and public rights-of-way.

  • Weaken cable franchising authority. The legislation would permanently exempt bundled broadband services from local franchise agreements and allow providers to unilaterally modify existing agreement terms. This could significantly weaken a city’s ability to enforce local standards and services.

  • Shift dispute resolution. The proposal would move legal disputes from local courts to the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, D.C. This would increase costs and complexity for Minnesota cities when defending local interests.

Midco’s Scandia fiber project nears completion (Washingonton County)

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The Country Messenger reports…

After years of planning, grant applications and phased construction, Scandia’s long-awaited high-speed internet expansion is entering its final stretch.

Midco, the internet provider in the expansion, has begun construction this month and is projected to complete the project by the end of July. Once complete, the expansion will bring fiber optic internet access to roughly 95% of households in the City of Scandia.

Seeing the project nearing completion is encouraging to Scandia’s Internet Action Committee, which has been working for years to improve internet access for Scandia residents. According to the committee’s chair, Bob Wilmers, the city first partnered with Midco in 2019 when approximately half of the city’s households had access to reliable internet coverage. Since that time, Scandia and Midco have worked together to find funding through local investments and outside grants, including the Minnesota Border to Border Broadband Grant Program.

“In the last seven years, Midco and the city have applied for multiple grants from the State of Minnesota, Washington County, and the Federal Government to provide financial assistance for the expansion of high-speed Internet service in the rest of Scandia,” Wilmers said. “When this project is completed, we’ll have reached about 95% of the households in Scandia for high-speed Internet, doubling the number we started with in 2019.”

The total cost of the expansion is nearly $7 million, according to Wilmers, with the city investing approximately $1 million, which makes up roughly 15% of the overall cost. The remaining funding has been provided through grants and Midco.

Paul Bunyan Communications starts on major fiber expansion in Central Aitkin County

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From Paul Bunyan Communications…

Paul Bunyan Communications has begun construction on a major broadband expansion project in central Aitkin County that will bring its all-fiber optic network, the GigaZone®, to more than 2,400 homes and businesses.
The project area includes the cities of McGregor, Palisade, and Tamarack, as well as portions of Clark, Haugen, Jevne, Libby, Logan, McGregor, Shamrock, and Workman Townships.
Construction is now underway and will continue throughout the summer months. Once completed, residents and businesses in these areas will have access to fast, reliable all-fiber optic Internet and WiFi designed to support everything from streaming and remote work to advanced business operations. Services are expected to become available by winter.
“This is an exciting milestone for this project and for the communities it includes,” said Chad Bullock, CEO and General Manager of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Breaking ground means we’re one step closer to delivering the kind of high-speed, reliable Internet that has become essential for daily life.”
The GigaZone® all-fiber optic network offers speeds up to 10 Gig, providing a significant upgrade over traditional Internet services. In addition to Internet and WiFi, customers will have access to voice services including unlimited local and long-distance calling. Business customers can also take advantage of Managed IT Business Services such as VOIP, Disaster Backup and Recovery, and Network Management.
“This construction represents a major investment in the future of central Aitkin County,” said Leo Anderson, Chief Technology Officer of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Our all-fiber optic network is built for long-term performance, delivering the speed and reliability needed for work, education, healthcare, and business growth.”
Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up for services before construction crews complete work in their area to ensure a connection. 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 www.paulbunyan.net, call, or stop by the Grand Rapids Customer Service & Technology Center.

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

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From Paul Bunyan Communications…

Paul Bunyan Communications has started construction on expanding its all-fiber optic network, the GigaZone®, to over 600 more locations in Itasca and St. Louis County 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.
The construction phase of the project is now underway and is expected to take up to three months. Once the fiber optic network is operational, residents and businesses will have access to fast, reliable all-fiber optic Internet and WiFi designed to support everything from streaming and remote work to advanced business operations. Services are expected to become available this fall.
“This is an exciting milestone for this project and for the communities it includes,” said Chad Bullock, CEO and General Manager of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Breaking ground means we’re one step closer to delivering the kind of high-speed, reliable Internet that has become essential for daily life.”
The GigaZone® all-fiber optic network offers speeds up to 10 Gig, providing a significant upgrade over traditional Internet services. In addition to Internet and WiFi, customers will have access to voice services including unlimited local and long-distance calling. Business customers can also take advantage of Managed IT Business Services such as VOIP, Disaster Backup and Recovery, and Network Management.
“This construction represents a major investment in the future of these townships,” said Leo Anderson, Chief Technology Officer of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Our all-fiber optic network is built for long-term performance, delivering the speed and reliability needed for work, education, healthcare, and business growth.”
Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up for services before construction crews complete work in their area to ensure a connection. 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 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.

Mediacom adds more than 400 miles of fiber to services almost 4000 locations

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Broadband Companies reports…

Mediacom Communications said Tuesday it has finished 12 fiber broadband projects across Minnesota ahead of schedule, adding more than 400 miles of last‑mile fiber and bringing service to roughly 3,900 homes and businesses. The company, also known as Mediacom, described the work as a two‑year effort carried out in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), with a combined public‑private investment of more than $24 million.

Company officials said about 90% of the new fiber miles were laid in some of Minnesota’s hardest‑to‑serve areas, including the Iron Range in the state’s north.

Mediacom reported it invested more than $13 million of private capital and used $11 million in DEED grant funding; the carrier also said it leveraged those projects to extend service to an additional 1,600 locations using private dollars.

MN House Bill passes: , A bill for an act relating to telecommunications (HF4052)

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The Minnesota House reports…

HF4052 (Kresha) Various provisions governing telephone company regulation, facilities and property, pricing plans, service classification, and reporting requirements.

More details…

HF. No. 4052, A bill for an act relating to telecommunications; modifying and clarifying various provisions governing telephone company regulation, facilities and property, pricing plans, service classification, and reporting requirements; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 237.035; 237.036; 237.069; 237.07, subdivision 1; 237.11; 237.164; 237.626, subdivisions 1, 3; 237.66, by adding subdivisions; 237.70, subdivision 7; 237.762, subdivision 5; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 237.065; 237.066; 237.067; 237.071; 237.072; 237.075, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11; 237.14; 237.15; 237.16, subdivision 9; 237.22; 237.231; 237.59, subdivisions 1, 1a, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10; 237.66, subdivisions 1, 1a, 1c, 1d, 2, 2a, 3; 237.75; 237.766; 237.768; 237.772; 237.775.

      The bill was read for the third time and placed upon its final passage.

The question was taken on the passage of the bill and the roll was called.  There were 134 yeas and 0 nays as follows:

The bill was passed and its title agreed to.

The American Broadband Deployment Act could change broadband permitting and siting

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Wireless Estimator reports ona bill that was going through the Congress yesterday (spoiler: Punchbowl news reported that this bill was pulled from the House floor). While the immediacy may be gone, I think it’s still helpful to know what is being discussed…

A bill working its way through Congress could be one of the most significant boosts the tower and telecom siting and contracting industry has seen in years — and it may be one step closer to becoming law by tonight.

H.R. 2289, the American Broadband Deployment Act, introduced by Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), is a sweeping federal bill designed to streamline nationwide permitting for broadband and telecommunications infrastructure.
What began as a one-page proposal to exempt specified broadband projects from federal environmental and historic review requirements expanded dramatically through committee amendments into a roughly 100-page omnibus bill incorporating more than 20 separate permitting and preemption provisions affecting wireless siting, wireline broadband deployment, cable franchising, and federal review processes.
It would limit the ability of local governments to delay, restrict, or add costs to tower and network deployments — cutting through the kind of bureaucratic red tape that has slowed projects and drained contractor resources for years.

The bill has passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee and significantly restructures how local governments may regulate the placement, construction, and modification of communications facilities in public rights-of-way and on locally controlled property.

Industry support for the bill is broad and deep.

The industry is interested in bill; local governments are not as interested…

Not everyone is on board, however. A powerful coalition of local government organizations is fighting back hard. The National League of Cities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National Association of Counties, and the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors jointly oppose the bill, calling it an unprecedented and dangerous usurpation of local governments’ authority to manage public rights-of-way and land use.
The local organizations wrote that the bill “creates a framework that prioritizes communication companies’ shareholder value at the expense of the safety and financial interests of the communities and the taxpayers they serve.” Critics further argue that the bill would undermine public safety, force local taxpayers to subsidize private corporations, and disrupt the very broadband deployment progress it aims to accelerate.

Bluepeak offers 2 Gig broadband speeds in Worthington

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Bluepeak announces…

Bluepeak, a leading provider of high-speed internet, is excited to announce that internet speeds in Worthington have doubled as part of an ongoing network upgrade. Customers can now access up to 2 Gig internet, delivering faster downloads, smoother streaming, and improved reliability for every connected device in the home.

In addition, Bluepeak’s 500 Mbps and 1 Gig plans now include symmetrical upload and download speeds. These speed upgrades provide equally fast performance, so households can stream, game, and work simultaneously on multiple devices, with greater ease and consistency.

Fast just got faster in Worthington! For more details on the new speeds, readers can visit mybluepeak.com/fasterspeeds.

This upgrade is also just the beginning. Bluepeak recently launched a transformative, multi-million multi-year fiber overbuild across southwest Minnesota. Worthington is slated to be included in the fiber overbuild this year, with construction expected to begin in early summer. This expansion will continue to significantly enhance internet performance and reliability for Worthington’s residents.

The history of 911 in Minnesota from a 911 telecommunicator

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The Department of Public Safety reports on changes to 911 over the years. I just thought it was an interesting look at how 911 has changed over the years, especially for folks who have ubiquitous and reliable cell coverage…

For Mark Lallak, the evolution of 911 is personal. He watched it happen in real time from behind the dispatch console.

When Lallak was working as a 911 telecommunicator in the ’90s, most calls came from landlines. Because the phone numbers were associated with fixed locations, dispatchers had a name and address associated with each phone number. If someone called in, first responders almost always knew where they needed to go.

Then as cell phones emerged, everything changed.

The update happened quickly…

Today, wireless calls are the new norm. In 2025, about 87 percent of 911 calls in Minnesota came from cell phones. People call from cars, boats, trails and countless other places where emergencies happen. It’s much easier to call 911 today than ever before — and that flexibility is a good thing. But it also created new challenges for dispatchers and first responders.

In the early days of cell phone calls to 911, dispatch centers often had to rely on cell tower triangulation to estimate a caller’s location. Dispatchers can’t identify someone based on a cell phone number like they could with landlines. If a caller could not speak, hung up or lost connection, responders might have to search a broad area, often as big as a square mile or more.  …

“Nowadays, when a caller dials 911, the latitude and longitude coordinates from their cell phone are usually shared with the system,” Carlson said. “That information can help responders get to the right place faster.”

While this process works better today than before, there is room for improvement. In some parts of greater Minnesota, calls may still be routed based on cell tower triangulation instead of a caller’s GPS coordinates. That can lead to delays or extra transfers, especially near county borders.

ECN is working to improve the 911 system through Next Generation 911, or NG911. The current network in Minnesota has been in place since 1982 and relies on outdated copper telecommunication lines. In partnership with telecom service providers across the state, ECN is upgrading the network to fiber optic cable. The upgraded system will allow callers to text photos and videos and even share data from unexpected sources like smartwatches and vehicles.

Midco customers experience broadband outages in the Midwest over the weekend

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International Business Times reports…

Midcontinent Communications, known as Midco, faced scattered but significant service disruptions Saturday, with numerous customers across South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota and Nebraska reporting internet, TV and phone outages despite the company’s official outage map showing mostly normal operations.

As of late Saturday evening on April 11, 2026, third-party monitoring sites showed spikes in user reports, contradicting Midco’s public status page that continued to display “Services Online” for many entered addresses. Downdetector and Outage.Report noted elevated complaints, particularly in Sioux Falls, Fargo, Bismarck and surrounding communities.

Customers took to social media and outage trackers expressing frustration over sudden loss of connectivity during peak evening hours when streaming, remote work and family entertainment demand typically surges. Many described complete blackouts lasting from minutes to several hours, with intermittent service in some areas.

Midco has not yet responded…

Midco has not issued a public statement on any widespread outage as of Saturday night. The company typically attributes such disruptions to routine maintenance, construction accidents, severe weather or upstream provider issues. Spring conditions in the Midwest — including wind, rain and construction activity — often contribute to cable and fiber vulnerabilities.

Customers who contacted support reported long wait times and automated messages directing them to the outages page or basic troubleshooting.

New MN Bill: Counties permission to designate certain agricultural lands unsuitable for power facilities (SF4479)

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The MN Senate reports that the following bill…

SF 4479 – Kupec: Counties permission to designate certain agricultural lands as unsuitable for electric power facilities *(Informational Only)*
This is an informational Hearing Only. No action will be taken.

…will be heard…

Monday, April 13th, 2026 03:00 PM
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Chair: Sen. Aric Putnam
Location: 1150 Minnesota Senate Bldg.

Stearns County Administrator Mike Williams retires, recognizes for broadband expansion in the community

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The Patriot reports…

Stearns County Administrator Mike Williams has announced his retirement, effective July 17, 2026, concluding a distinguished 40‑year career in local government and a decade of service to Stearns County residents.

They recognize his work in broadband in expansion in the area…

One of Williams’ most significant accomplishments is the expansion of high‑speed broadband across Stearns County. Beginning in 2017, he helped lead efforts to identify service gaps affecting rural homes and businesses, working with the County Board, township officials, and multiple service providers to build a comprehensive strategy. Through a combination of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds, state Border‑to‑Border grants, and township contributions, the County secured more than $60 million for broadband expansion. As a result, nearly every home and business in Stearns County has, or will soon receive, access to reliable, high‑speed internet service.

Xcel Energy exec talks about the the sheer scale of investment going into data centers

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MPR News reports...

Bob Frenzel runs Xcel Energy, headquartered here in Minneapolis. Xcel is one of the country’s largest energy providers, distributing electricity to 6.1 million electric and natural gas customers across eight states.

MPR’s senior economic contributor Chris Farrell spoke with Frenzel at a Tuesday luncheon event sponsored by the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.

The biggest standout from the conversation was the sheer scale of investment going into data centers — the specialized facilities powering the rise of artificial intelligence. We’re talking $600 billion in investment this year alone. Frenzel put that in perspective.

“That’s real, physical factories — concrete, steel, wires, cables,” Frenzel said. “Last year, the entire electric utility industry spent $200 billion on transmission and distribution infrastructure. So just consider the size and scale of the investment getting made.”

Frenzel said if it’s done right, your electric bill should actually come down. He pointed to the Google data center recently announced in Pine Island. Google will ultimately want 1,000 megawatts of capacity — that’s 11 percent of the entire Upper Midwest load. However, the company will pay for the new generation themselves.