August 26, 2019, International Falls, MN – Efforts to get high-speed internet in some Koochiching County homes and businesses received a boost this week when Paul Bunyan Communications announced it’s applying for grant funding through the Border-to-Border Broadband program. If funded, the company could offer services to more than 1,200 locations in Kabetogama, Pelland Junction, Ericsburg and Ray.
Since funders take local support into consideration when approving awards, residents are encouraged to send letters of support. “Our goal is to maximize the points the application receives for community interest,” says Steve Howard, Paul Bunyan Information Technology and Development Manager.
Letters of Support Needed By September 9
According to Howard, letters of support don’t need to be lengthy. “What resonates most is a few genuine sentences about how broadband access would benefit your household, as well as the community at large,” Howard says. Click here for a sample letter.
Letters can be sent to Paul Bunyan Communications, Attn: Steve Howard, 1831 Anne St NW, Bemidji, MN 56601, or emailed to showard@paulbunyan.net.
Proposed Services
While more information will be available as grant funding decisions are made, Paul Bunyan is currently proposing to provide its GigaZone internet service, which includes:
- Fiber-to-the-premises technology
- “Uncapped” services not based on usage (otherwise known as “all-you-can-eat”)
- Symmetric services feature the same speed upstream and downstream, so there is no upload penalty because you work at home or produce content
About Paul Bunyan Communications
Paul Bunyan Communications has the region’s largest and fastest all fiber optic network with over 5,500 square miles throughout most of Beltrami County and portions of Cass, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, and St. Louis Counties. The Cooperative provides Broadband High Speed Internet Services including the GigaZone, digital and high definition television services, digital voice services, Residential and Business IT services, and is also northern Minnesota’s certified Apple Service Center.
About Koochiching Technology Initiative
KTI is a volunteer community effort founded in 2018 to leverage technology and internet tools for a thriving future in Koochiching County and Kabetogama. Steering committee members include: Harley Droba, Alysa Hackenmueller, Paul Nevanen, Soren Olesen, Ted Saxton, Darcy Sullivan and Jim Yount. For more information about KTI, visit Koochiching.tech or email info@koochiching.tech.