Expansion Projects

Paul Bunyan Telephone became one of the first telecommunication companies in the country to build a brand new network into a previously monopoly regulated environment. It started in 1999 with construction in parts of the Bemidji Township, Northern Township, and City of Bemidji. Since that time we’ve constructed to, and now serve, four additional cities (Grand Rapids, LaPrairie, Cohasset, Bemidji), dozens of townships, and we have overbuilt the entire Bemidji telephone exchange.

Specific expansion projects are determined on an annual basis only and this year we will be expanding into two new telephone exchanges and several new townships. (see below)

While further expansion is expected, no specific plans exist past the current year due to the many factors that fluctuate annually and can affect such decisions. Our cooperative will continue to consider reaching out to new areas where it is economically viable and technically feasible. 2008 plans will not be finalized until next April.
 

2007 Expansion Plans

Lake George

All services are now available to those areas expanded to this spring/summer in the City of Lake George and parts of the Lake George Township.

Those residents/businesses included in 2008 expansion construction plans will be notified by direct mail this spring.

Cass Lake Telephone Exchange

Construction is expected to take place in part of the Ten Lake Township of Beltrami County and part of the Pike Bay Township in Cass County. The work this year will not reach the City of Cass Lake. For those residents/businesses included in this year’s construction plans we hope to have services available no later than May, 2008.

Rural Cohasset

We will be extending our current network north of the City of Cohasset and west to Deer River. Expansion will head to the northeast on Pincherry Road, further north on East Bass Lake Road, and west on US Highway 2 towards Deer River. For those residents/businesses included in this year’s construction plans we hope to have services available no later than May, 2008.
 

Past Expansion Projects

City of Grand Rapids - Completed

Started in 2005, completed 2007. Service is available to all locations within the city limits of the City of Grand Rapids.

City of Cohasset - Completed

Started in 2004, completed 2006. Service is available to all locations within the city limits of the City of Cohasset.

Bemidji Telephone Exchange - Completed

Started in 1999, completed in 2006. Service is available to all locations within the Bemidji Telephone Exchange, those with landline phone prefixes of 751, 755, or 759 prior to 1999.