One of the best things about conferences is catching up with people and hearing the progress they are making in helping their communities stay up-to-date with the latest in technology. A little more than a year ago, we visited the folks at Arrowhead Electric Cooperative, Inc. in Lutsen, MN and caught a glimpse of their efforts to bring broadband to the very remote area they serve. At that time, one of their biggest challenges, apart from completing as much construction as they could before winter set in, was putting all the elements of the mid-mile in place.
Fast-forward to 2013 and Joe Buttweiler, Interim General Manager for Arrowhead Electric Cooperative, explains that they just had a successful open house at their office to launch their True North Broadband service. With a staff numbering only 13, there were more than 20 people per Arrowhead Electric Cooperative employee at this very successful event. The turnout of at this event is indicative of the pent-up demand for a true broadband offering in this extremely rural area.
With 75% of the outside plant complete, it won’t be long before all the citizens of this Lutsen area will be able to experience what was demonstrated at Arrowhead Electric Cooperative’s office.
This video made possible by Calix, Inc.
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