We are expanding our all-fiber optic network the GigaZone®, to over 2,600 more locations in areas of Aitkin, Hubbard, Itasca, and St. Louis Counties this year.
Aitkin County
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. It includes over 1,800 homes and businesses.
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/
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.