Connecting Our Neighbors, Empowering Our Communities
MARTIN COUNTY BORDER TO BORDER FIBER PROJECT
This project is being supported by a State of Minnesota DEED Border to Border Grant Award.
On October 9, 2024 the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) Office of Broadband Development announced Federated Rural Electric & Broadband as one of 26 recipients for Grant Round 10. Federated was awarded an $8 million Lower Population Density grant to establish a Fiber to the Premise (FTTP) Network in portions of rural Martin County.
The grant includes the townships of Lake Belt, Tenhassen, Rolling Green Manyaska, Nashville, and Westford. The project involves 457 households, businesses and farms, including 431 unserved and 26 underserved addresses based on state speed goals.
The project’s total cost is estimated at $10.6 million with Martin County, Lake Belt and Rolling Green Townships partnering and contributing $800,000. Federated will secure long-term loans for the remaining balance, similar to what is done for financing the electric distribution line system.
The State of Minnesota announced grants totaling $51.9 million across 26 projects in the Round 10 Grant. This includes 18 Border-to-Border grants and eight Low-Density grants. Federated’s grant is funded under the Low-Density program.
What do GIG-speeds provide?
GIG - speed internet is incredibly fast and allows you to work remotely, take remote classes for high school or college, do telemedicine doctor appointments and stream television that’s 4K quality. GIG speed internet can help retain and attract young people to the rural lifestyle with the access to high-speed internet. These speeds are comparable to Twin Cities internet options with competitive pricing too. Drop your landline with voiceover internet (VoIP) or use WIFI calling for improved cell phone reception. Even if you do not presently use the internet, this fiber connection adds to your home’s resale value.
What equipment is installed for a fiber optic connection?
1. In the event an underground fiber drop is used; our contractor will plow or drill the fiber line to your property. This means very little yard disturbance.
2. Where underground plant is used; a pedestal will be installed that will serve several homes. Where overhead plant is used, the drop will come directly from the pole. View a preliminary map for locations and fiber routes.
3. A 9" x 12" gray box (Network Interface Device or NID) would be installed on the side of your house. (Items #1-3 are all covered under the project cost and add value to your property.)
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