NEWS RELEASE
February 24, 2023
“Benton County Takes Major Step in Rural Broadband”
On February 21st, the Benton County Board approved an agreement with Benton Communications to bring high-speed fiber broadband service to unserved and underserved areas of the County to the North of Minnesota Highway 23. Benton Communications was awarded $1.5 million in State of Minnesota Border to Border grants for three areas, with Benton County contributing $1.1 million of its allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds. Investments by Benton Communications will round out the funding package.
All told, the northern Benton County project will bring fiber broadband service to 483 rural addresses, accounting for 148 miles of fiber. Benton Communications expects to begin work in the Fall of 2023 and complete the project by June 2025.
Residents interested in obtaining broadband service should contact Benton Communications General Manager Cheryl Scapanski at 320.393.1112 (bctelco.net). Benton Communications will offer packages ranging from 100 Mbps upload/100 Mbps download speeds up to 1 Gig upload/1 Gig download.
The Benton County Board wishes to thank Benton Communications for its partnership in helping to expand broadband coverage throughout the County. The Board also thanks the many contributions of the County’s Broadband Committee, comprised of representatives from cities, townships, schools, the Benton Economic Partnership and interested citizens.
Benton County remains committed to bringing high-speed internet service to every part of the County. At the same February 21st County Board meeting, the Board pledged $2 million of additional American Rescue Plan Act funds as local match for a second round of State Border to Border grants being sought by Benton Communications for areas South of Minnesota Highway 23. The County understands that decisions will made on this next round of Border to Border grants by Summer 2023.
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