REGIONAL- Diane Kruse of Colorado-based NeoConnect updated the Vermilion Lake Town Board recently on the progress toward bringing broadband internet to residents in the township and surrounding communities. NeoConnect was chosen by the local broadband group to do a feasibility study on the effort.
Kruse said that the project would cost between $12.7 million and $20.5 million depending on the rock density where the fiber would be laid underground. “Underground is more costly,” said Kruse, “but the operating expenses are low.”
She identified Daisy and Pike Bay, along with the city of Tower,and Breitung, Greenwood, Kugler, Eagles Nest and Vermilion Lake townships as high-priority areas.
NeoConnect used the results of internet speed tests completed in the area over the past year to find which locations were most in need of upgrade. The speed test is still open and residents of these townships are asked to complete the speed test if they haven’t yet.
The speedtest can be found at: mnruralbroadbandcoalition.com/speedtest.
From the existing results, Kruse determined “the majority of your area is unserved,” meaning that there is either no or only very slow internet available.
The project is expected to be 50 percent funded by grants and federal funding. The remaining funding is negotiable between the selected internet provider (such as Paul Bunyan Communications, CTC, NESC, Midco, or Frontier) and local governments. In past nearby projects, local governments have only had to pay about one percent. “We’re coming in armed with information about the project and will woo providers into competing for the project,” said Kruse.
She said the project would likely take about three years and is expected to lose money in the first year and start making money in the second year, making it an attractive prospect for internet providers. Cost for individuals would likely be between $60 and $150 per month.
Broadband has become increasingly necessary for day-to-day life. Internet is now being integrated into kitchen appliances, thermostats, security systems and medical devices. It’s also used for schooling, doctor appointments, for work and for social connections. The pandemic has made this need even more apparent. In the first month after the pandemic began impacting life in the region, internet use went up 92 percent, Kruse said, adding that two-thirds of the people who began working from home decided to continue working from home.
The most important thing residents of Tower and the surrounding townships can do, said Kruse, is to show their support for the project by contacting their town supervisors, county commissioners and state legislators, by publicly expressing support for increasing internet access throughout our area, and by taking the speed test.