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Bigger, Better Broadband in Bemidji & Beyond
A number 8 ranking by PCMag as one of the best places for remote work in 2021 should be no surprise to those familiar with the Bemidji, MN region. Its member-owned, broadband provider, Paul Bunyan Communications,, was one of the first U.S. operators to deploy fiber to the home (FTTH). By 2014 all of its…
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Unintended Consequences of the Broadband Stimulus – Part 3 of 4
Construction of infrastructure due to the broadband stimulus is in full swing. In part 3 of a 4 part interview, Kevin Larson of CTC in Brainerd, MN discusses some of the unintended results of the stimulus process and wonders what will happen to construction and engineering firms once the stimulus projects are complete. Part 1…
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The Impact of the Broadband Order – Part 2 of 4
The metaphor of a three-legged stool is what Kevin Larson of CTC in Brainerd, MN uses to describe the sources of revenue for CTC and broadband operators like CTC. He explains how the FCC’s Connect America Fund Order knocks out one of those legs and causes uncertainty in the other leg. The result affects CTC’s investment plans…
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Operational Savings and New Revenue – Part 1 of 4
Kevin Larson, GM & CEO of CTC in Minnesota, provides insight on ways independent rural broadband operators can stay competitive in ever more challenging times. He discusses the importance of a fiber to the home network infrastructure in reducing ongoing operational and maintenance costs, while providing a more reliable network for the end customers. He…
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The Community Movie Theater
Everett Christensen talks about the importance of a movie theater in drawing together the people in this small midwestern town. Christensen is the namesake for the local communications company and is a leader in his community, as evidenced by the way he revived this Madelia, Minnesota landmark. This theater is one of the reasons that…
