Otter Tail County broadband providers receive $4.5 million in broadband funding

December 14, 2022 – Otter Tail County, MN– Internet providers throughout the State of Minnesota will receive close to $100 million in funding to expand broadband coverage in the State. The Border-to-Border Broadband program provides grant funding and is administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)’s Office of Broadband Development. Providers in Otter Tail County are to receive over $4.5 million of funding that will extend new high-speed internet connections to almost 1,500 homes, farms, and businesses in the County.

“The receipt of the Border-to-Border Broadband grants in Otter Tail County is tremendous news for our residents, farms, and businesses. It is a true testament to what can be accomplished when broadband providers, townships, the County, and the State of Minnesota work collaboratively toward a common goal,” commented County Commissioner Wayne Johnson. “I am proud of the work of everyone involved-this is a critical piece of infrastructure as we move forward into the future. Thanks to everyone who played a part in getting this done.”

Otter Tail Telcom’s North Fergus Falls Project

Otter Tail Telcom will build a 271-mile fiber optic high-speed service network serving 1,186 locations including farms and businesses. Park Region partnered with Elizabeth, Friberg, Aurdal, Dane Prairie, and Buse Townships; the State; and Otter Tail County to bring this project to the area.

Dave Bickett, Chief Executive Officer for Otter Tail Telcom/Park Region reflected on the funding, “This collaborative effort with our partners at the State of Minnesota, Otter Tail County, and local townships will be monumental for Otter Tail Telcom/Park Region to expand broadband access in Otter Tail County.  We will be reaching out to all locations in the coming months as we prepare to implement the project.  We extend our sincere appreciation to our partners for their initial and continued support as well as all the residents and businesses in the project area who will entrust us with the privilege to be their communication services provider.”

Arvig’s East Otter Tail County Project

Arvig (East Otter Tail Telephone) will build a fiber optic mainline in the southeast region of Otter Tail County near Battle Lake, Henning, Parkers Prairie, and Urbank. Speeds are expected to increase throughout the area. According to the project outline, with the completion of this project, these Otter Tail County residents will be able to run their at-home businesses and farms, or work from home, more efficiently. They can continue or pursue their education online with confidence, they will have better access to telehealth services, and they will simply be able to access more entertainment and stay connected with their friends and family.

“As a service provider, it’s encouraging to be a part of this large-scale investment in rural broadband in Minnesota,” said David Arvig, Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer at Arvig. “These crucial projects will serve residents with the speeds they need to keep up with the next-generation demands of internet connectivity, whether it’s for work, entertainment or day-to-day life.”

Carter Grupp, Otter Tail County’s Broadband Coordinator through the American Connection Project, restated the importance of the projects. “These projects are big wins for Otter Tail County’s critical infrastructure and its residents. We were successful because of the collaboration and partnership between our local providers, Otter Tail County, and several townships who contributed $281,384 to these projects.”

If you are without broadband or are interested in finding out if your home, business, or farm is in the project areas listed above contact Carter Grupp at 218-998-8048 or [email protected].