Join us at the Aitkin County Fair this Wednesday through Sunday, July 8-11!

Stop by our booth in the commercial building to find out more about our expansion in central Aitkin County, our cooperative, and our services plus pick up a free power charging cube while supplies last.

We’re excited to serve more of Aitkin County and would love to visit more about how our cooperative can serve you.

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.  Your DIRECTV service can run over your GigaZone Internet & WiFi service, there is no longer a satellite dish required!

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. https://paulbunyan.net/residential/internet/gigazone-streaming/

“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 is 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. To see the free class schedule and sign up visit https://paulbunyan.net/pbc-academy/ 

Please note that our offices will be closing early at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22.

That is two hours earlier than our regular closing time of 5 p.m.

Emergency service will remain available.

Our offices will be closed on Friday, July 3 in observation of the Independence Day Holiday.  Our regular office hours will resume on Monday, July 6.

Paul Bunyan Communications will be expanding its all-fiber optic network the GigaZone®, to over 3,200 more locations in areas of Aitkin, Hubbard, Itasca, and St. Louis Counties this year.

Aitkin County

Over 2,400 locations in central Aitkin County including the cities of McGregor, Palisade, and Tamarack along with areas of Clark, Haugen, Jevne, Libby, Logan, McGregor, Shamrock, and Workman Townships.

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.

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.

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.

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

We are inviting soccer fans and sports enthusiasts to put their prediction skills to the test with the new Pick It World Soccer Challenge, a free online contest for the upcoming 32-team international soccer tournament.

The Pick It World Soccer Challenge is easy to join. Participants simply register, submit their picks, and earn points based on correctly predicting match winners throughout the tournament. Anyone 18 years of age or older can enter to compete against friends, family, coworkers, and fellow soccer fans for a chance to win up to a $500 credit on their Paul Bunyan Communications account.

Contest registration is now open at https://paulbunyan.pickitchallenge.com/ Once the pool play portion of the tournament is completed, participants will have two days to make their picks June 27-28. Entries must be completed before the first game starts on Monday, June 29.

Note: All who participated in the 2026 Pick It March Mania contest are already registered for the Pick It website and can just sign in to make picks once that is open.  Anyone who did not participate in the 2026 March Mania contest will need to register for the contest website first.

We proudly serve rural areas of Park Rapids and invite you to join us Thursday, June 25 for Park Rapids 2nd Street Stage in downtown Park Rapids from 6-8 p.m.

Enjoy the music of Indecent Proposal and be sure to stop by our table to pick up a free gift while supplies last. There is also a beer garden and door prizes.

Bring your own lawn chair and we’ll see you there!

Our offices will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observation of the Memorial Day Holiday.