Broadband Project
Connected: Community Broadband up North.
What is our community broadband project?
Arrowhead Electric Cooperative (AECI) is building a fiber-to-the-home network capable of delivering high-speed broadband service, VoIP telephony, distance learning, tele-medicine, smart grid energy solutions, and other advanced broadband applications to the residents of Cook County. Due to the relatively rural nature of the area, existing telecommunications providers have not upgraded their networks to provide the critical high speed access that our citizens need. This project will allow our area to take our future in to our own hands and provide the services that will allow our citizens to prosper.
Construction Project Map(s):
Highway 61 Lake County to Caribou Trail
Caribou Trail to Cascade & Pike Lake – Updated 12/6/2011
Learn more about broadband in our Cook County community and in other Minnesota rural communities by following MPR’s Ground Level: Broadband project.
Project Update – 08/08/2011
Materials and Equipment for the construction of our fiber optic network have started arriving in Lutsen. Construction has begun along the Caribou Trail. Underground crews are working in the Tait, Clara, Christine and Caribou Lake areas. Once completed the underground work will move towards Deer Yard Lake and the Jonvick Creek subdivisions. Crews building between the road and the home on private properties will begin work in a few weeks. Once completed with the Caribou Trail, construction crews will begin working westerly to the Lake & Cook County line. Property owners in Schroeder, Tofte and Lutsen who have not returned there property permission mailers are encouraged to do so immediately as to not be, “skipped” during the construction process.
Frequently Asked Questions about our Community Fiber Project.
How is the project funded?
The fiber optic project is funded in a variety of ways. First, a nearly $17 million dollar award (70% grant, 30% loan) was secured from the Rural Utility Service, a department of the United States Department of Agriculture. To secure the funding Arrowhead Electric Cooperative committed to a $600,000 contribution. Once this financing was secured and project planning was completed Arrowhead Electric Cooperative modified the design of the project some with the hopes of lengthening the life and capacity of the fiber optic cables through a variety of materials and design changes. These changes knowingly increased the total project cost in hopes of reducing future maintenance expenses and ensuring a more reliable service to our members. The increase in expense was recently financed by a grant of up to $4 million dollars by the Cook County Commsioners using local 1% sales tax funds. The total project cost is estimated to be approximately $20.7 million dollars.
What will the new service cost and what packages will be available?
Internet and Telephone service will be offered. Television service is being evaluated. Final selections of Internet and phone packages still need to occur. Prices for individual and bundled services have not been set.
Will there be any installation fees associated to obtaining the new service?
We have not finalized any installation cost, though our goal is to make sure those costs are affordable for every home and business.
Will there be both residential and commercial type accounts?
Yes, residential and commercial accounts will be available. Pricing and service levels for either residential or commercial accounts have not been determined.
When will customers be able to start using this new service?
Service availability is unknown at this time. It is unlikely service will be available by the end of 2011.
If existing electrical service is underground, how will the fiber be run?
Construction of the fiber optic network will follow our pole line. If existing power lines are buried than the fiber optic cable will be buried in those locations.
Once construction has been completed who will maintain the fiber lines and/or make repairs if necessary.
Arrowhead Electric Cooperative will be responsible and provide maintenance and repair of fiber lines.
Will Arrowhead Electric install a smart meter as a result of this project?
Arrowhead Electric Cooperative will review and evaluate vendors and costs associated with installing new meters and/or new devices. No determination has been made if a new metering system will be installed at this time.
How will Arrowhead Electric partner or work with Northeast Service Cooperative (NESC)?
Northeast Service Cooperative (NESC) received a middle-mile award to install fiber optic lines into Cook County. NESC’s grant is intended to provide service to larger institutions and organizations such as Arrowhead Electric Cooperative. Arrowhead Electric will be discussing any potential partnerships with NESC to leverage funds, construction activities, and other opportunities.
I live “off-grid” will I be able to receive fiber optics to my property?
Homes and businesses that do not have electric service from Arrowhead Electric Cooperative or the Grand Marais PUC have not been included in the grant/loan award.
Arrowhead Electric Cooperative does not wish to exclude anyone in Cook County and will work to help provide service to everyone. The financial details of how property owners “off-grid” may receive service have not been determined.
