Expansion Projects

Paul Bunyan Communications 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 the Bemidji area and since that time we have built out the entire Bemidji telephone exchange, all areas within the cities of Cohasset, Grand Rapids, and LaPrairie, along with areas including Lake George, Cass Lake, and many townships near those municipalities.
 

Expansion Plans

2013

Paul Bunyan Communications will be continuing to expand our all-fiber optic network into rural areas north of the City of Park Rapids in 2013.
The expansion will reach over 1,000 potential locations. It will cover areas south of Itasca State Park to Two Inlets, areas south of Emmaville to Hwy 34, most of the region between Co Rd 4 and US Hwy 71 north of the City of Park Rapids, and some areas to the east of Co Rd 4 between Emmaville and Hwy 34.

The areas included in the project include some or all of the locations near the following lakes: Lower & Upper Bottle, Big & Little Sand, Pickerel, Blue, Little Mantrap, Potato, Eagle, Island, and Two Inlets

This expansion will not necessarily reach every location within the region described above. If you would like to find out if your specific location is in our expansion plans for 2013, please contact our offices toll free at 888-586-3100 and get signed up if we are coming your way.

When the actual construction will take place will vary depending upon the location but we do anticipate it being completed no later than October. Once the network is physically installed up to a location services generally become available within 2-3 weeks.

Any determination on expansion 2014 will not be made until next May/June.
 

Past Expansion Projects

Rural Areas Of Park Rapids

Started in 2012, work is continuing in 2013. Service is available to all locations constructed to in 2012.

Big Falls

Started and completed in 2012. Service is available to all locations within the city limits of the City of Big Falls and some locations near the city limits.

Cass Lake

Started in 2007, completed in 2008. Service is available to most, but not all locations within the Cass Lake telephone exchange (335 landline phone exchange).  However, due to permitting issues, we were not able to expand to all areas as previously planned.

For those locations within the Cass Lake telephone exchange where construction was not completed, we do not know if or when we will be able to expand to your area. Our cooperative is trying to expedite the permitting process but it is beyond our control.

Lake George - Completed

Started in 2007, completed in 2008. Service is available to all locations within the Lake George/Itasca State Park area (266 landline phone exchange).

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.