Paul Bunyan Communications expansion starts in Keewatin and Taconite

Paul Bunyan Communications has started construction on expanding its all-fiber optic network the GigaZone® to the cities of Keewatin and Taconite.

“Our dedication remains steadfast in our mission to extend all-fiber optic gigabit broadband Internet to underserved areas in our region. Internet access is no longer a luxury but a necessity for everyday life. Year by year, our cooperative strives to provide this crucial connectivity to more homes and businesses in northern Minnesota.” said Gary Johnson, Paul Bunyan Communications CEO/General Manager.

Anyone interested in getting connected to the all-fiber optic broadband network should sign up for service now before construction is completed. That can be done online, over the phone, or in person at our Grand Rapids Customer Service & Technology Center or Cooperative Headquarters in Bemidji.

To check to see if a specific location is within an expansion area and learn more about the expansion construction process, visit www.gigazone.com. Paul Bunyan Communications has also mailed more information to those within the expansion area.

Construction will take place over the next 6-8 weeks with services expected to be available by late fall/early winter.

“This will be a huge service improvement for residents and businesses. Our all-fiber optic network provides the fastest Internet speeds available, now up to 10 Gig so working from home, distant learning, telehealth, streaming video and more will all be possible. This will be a game changer for these areas.” added Steve Howard, Paul Bunyan Communications Information Technology and Development Manager.

The cooperative’s services will become available once the network is operational including GigaZone® Internet with its unprecedented broadband speeds of up to 10 Gig and low cost unlimited local and long distance GigaZone® voice telephone service. There is no membership fee to join Paul Bunyan Communications, membership is included by subscribing to either local phone service or GigaZone® Internet service.

Paul Bunyan Communications has the region’s largest all fiber optic network with over 6,000 square miles throughout most of Beltrami County and portions of Aitkin, 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 the home of northern Minnesota’s certified Apple Service Center.