Keeping Americans Connected with Broadband Built to Last

The idea that all Americans should have reliable access to communications services at a reasonable cost has been a national objective for over a century. Today, the federal Universal Service Fund (USF) helps rural Americans connect to high-quality, affordable broadband and supports critical connections for low-income families, schools, libraries and healthcare facilities in rural communities.

Watch this video to learn about how the USF helps rural Americans get and stay connected.

Community-based providers like Paul Bunyan Communications have led the charge on the mission of universal connectivity in rural America, leveraging a mix of community commitment, private capital, long-term loans and high-cost USF support to deploy networks and deliver services in the most rural parts of the country, keeping rural Americans’ broadband rates more affordable, promoting ongoing broadband network investment, and making the business case to take on network construction loans.

Policymakers in Washington, D.C., are currently debating how to reform universal service programs going forward, so that they can continue to serve the needs of millions of Americans. It is essential that our elected officials in Washington understand the positive impacts that the critical USF programs have had and continue to have on the availability, affordability and sustainability of voice and broadband services for millions of consumers, businesses and anchor institutions in rural America.

Learn more 

As the end of construction season approaches, Paul Bunyan Communications is on track to complete its planned broadband expansion projects across parts of Itasca and St. Louis Counties before freeze out.

Current Status of Paul Bunyan Communications Broadband Expansion projects:

• Itasca County:

City of Coleraine- Construction is done, fiber splicing is almost done.  Services expected to become available by the end of October

City of Bovey- Construction is in progress.  Services expected to become available by mid-December

Bearville(s) Township- Construction is done.  Fiber splicing will start this month

• St. Louis County:

Sandy Pike, & Wuori Township- COMPLETED.  Network is operational and services are now available.

Alango, Angora, & Owens Township- Construction is done, fiber splicing is in progress. Services should become available by end of October.

Balkan Township- Construction is in progress.  Services expected to become available by end of December

French Township- Construction is done.  Fiber splicing is in progress.  Services expected to be available by early November

Great Scott Township & unorganized township north of Great Scott- Construction has started.  Services projected to be available by end of January

Once the network is operational in a project area, customers who signed up for service will be contacted to schedule service installations.

Sign Up Now to Ensure Fiber Optic Connection
Residents and businesses in these expansion areas are encouraged to sign up for service to have the fiber optic connection installed up to the location. That can be done online, 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.

Paul Bunyan Communications PBC Academy offers FREE training sessions designed to help cooperative members gain confidence and skills with today’s technology. These hands-on sessions, taught by local cooperative staff, make learning simple, approachable, and fun.

PBC Academy classes are free of charge at Paul Bunyan Communications offices in Bemidji and Grand Rapids.

Current Topic: Streaming Technology featuring DIRECTV

• Grand Rapids
  • Classes held on Tuesdays
• Bemidji 
  • Classes held on Thursdays

Class sizes are limited to 10 participants and advanced online registration is required. Each session will last about an hour with additional time afterward for one-on-one learning.

In addition to the scheduled classes, PBC Academy is available for groups, organizations, or clubs interested in hosting a training session.

Future topics will be added based on member interest and feedback.

For more information or to reserve a spot in an upcoming class, visit https://paulbunyan.net/academy/ or contact academy@paulbunyan.net

Though winter might seem far off, now is the perfect time to plan ahead if you have construction projects in our service area and want to connect to our all-fiber optic network. Sign up for services now to ensure you’re on the construction list before the season ends.

Delaying may push your connection to next season. Act now to secure your spot—don’t wait!

Paul Bunyan Communications and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are promoting Lifeline Awareness Week, September 7-13.

Access to local emergency services and community resources is vital to all residents. Lifeline helps low-income consumers connect to the nation’s voice and broadband networks, find jobs, access health care services, connect with family and call for help in an emergency. For some, being connected can be the difference between social connection and complete isolation.

Paul Bunyan Communications wants residents to get and stay connected and promotes Lifeline throughout the year to raise awareness about the program that provides assistance to those who need voice and/or broadband services but can’t afford it.  “Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week,” September 8-14 is another opportunity to highlight this very important assistance program.

Federal Lifeline Program

This program offers a $9.25 monthly discount on one of the following services per household:

• Landline telephone service
• Wireless telephone service
• Broadband internet service

Tribal Benefit Program

Households on Tribal lands may qualify for additional support:

• Tribal Lands Lifeline: Up to $34.25/month off landline, wireless, or broadband service
• Tribal Lands Link Up: A one-time credit of up to $100 for installation or activation fees

Please note that these tribal discounts apply to only one service per household.

To get started, individuals must first confirm their eligibility by visiting the National Verifier at https://nationalverifier.servicenowservices.com/lifeline

I’ve attached detailed instructions on how to apply. Additional information is also available at https://www.lifelinesupport.org

As more customers look to Paul Bunyan Communications for fast reliable internet and entertainment options, the cooperative is pleased to announce its new relationship with DIRECTV.

As a retailer of DIRECTV, Paul Bunyan Communications GigaZone broadband customers can watch local, national and premium channels anytime, anywhere on their phone, tablet or television.

“We have heard the call for a convenient way to use our fast, reliable internet for subscription streaming services, local channels and thousands of on demand titles all in one place. This service also provides access to more than 7000 apps, like HBO Max, Netflix, and Prime Video on an exclusive DIRECTV Gemini device.” said Leo Anderson, Paul Bunyan Communications Chief Technology officer.

DIRECTV packages start at 90+ channels for the basic package with the premium package offering more than 185+ channels. All packages come with local ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC affiliates (where available) and all packages include premium channels for 3 months free, like HBO Max, SHOWTIME and more. DIRECTV is available to all Paul Bunyan Communications residential internet subscribers.

Paul Bunyan Communications will be offering a series of free training sessions to help members better understand how streaming video works, explore the various streaming options, and how to get started. Whether members are new to streaming or simply looking to choose the best options for their viewing preferences, the cooperative’s local team will provide hands-on guidance.

Our offices will be closed on Monday, September 1 for the Labor Day Holiday.

As always, 24 hour emergency repair will be available.

Paul Bunyan Communications is returning over $3.6 million to its members!

Paul Bunyan Communications is a not-for-profit company that strives to provide the highest quality service at the most affordable rates.  As a cooperative, membership in Paul Bunyan Communications includes the opportunity to share in the financial success of the company. When profits are earned, they are allocated to the members based on their proportional share of the allocable revenues.  These allocations may then be returned to the individual members through capital credit retirements.

For current members with a distribution amount of $150 or less, a credit has been applied to their August bill. Checks have been mailed out for distributions of more than $150.

“Our cooperative continues to grow and thrive, now serving over 35,000 active members across over a 6,000-square-mile  service area. Through steady investment and expansion, we’ve built one of the nation’s largest rural all-fiber Gigabit networks, the GigaZone®, transforming how our members live, work, and play. It’s incredibly rewarding to see that success come full circle as we share the benefits with our members.” said Chad Bullock, Paul Bunyan Communications CEO/General Manager.

“For more than 70 years, we’ve delivered the latest technology at cost to our members. Becoming a member of Paul Bunyan Communications is simple—no fees, no annual dues. Just sign up for a local phone line or GigaZone® Broadband Internet service and you’re a member. You’ll get access to state-of-the-art technology, backed by a team of over 160 local employees who live and work right here in the communities we serve..” added Craig Boyer, Paul Bunyan Communications Chief Financial Officer.

“In a highly competitive industry filled with national providers, our cooperative stands out by putting our members and region first. We’re focused entirely on serving the communities of northern Minnesota—not customers in Sioux Falls, Fargo, or Minneapolis. We invest locally, strengthening our network, improving our services, and supporting the communities we call home” added Brian Bissonette, Paul Bunyan Communications Marketing Supervisor.

If you were a member of the cooperative in 2003 and/or 2024 and accrued more than $10 in total capital credit allocations, but do not receive the credit on your account or a check by September 1, please contact Paul Bunyan Communications at (218) 444-1234 or (218) 999-1234.

Past performance is no guarantee of future capital credit returns.  Some restrictions may apply.

The Itasca County Fair, sponsored in part by Paul Bunyan Communications is August 13-17.  Stop by our booth and check out our all-fiber optic fast Internet service powered by the GigaZone and get a free multi-prong charger while supplies last!

For more information on the Fair, visit https://www.itascacountyfair.org/

We’re Paul Bunyan Communications and we’re proud to be right here in Itasca County!

The Beltrami County Fair, sponsored in part by Paul Bunyan Communications is August 6-10.  Stop by our booth and check out our all-fiber optic fast Internet service powered by the GigaZone and get a free multi-prong charging cord while supplies last!

For more information on the Fair, visit www.beltramicountyfair.org

We’re Paul Bunyan Communications and we’re proud to be right here in Beltrami County!