Broadband to finally reach rural St. Louis County

NORTH STAR TOWNSHIP, Minn. — After more than a decade of planning and persistence, broadband internet is finally expanding to four of St. Louis County’s most rural townships.

In an era where internet access is often taken for granted, many families in rural parts of the county have long struggled with limited or unreliable service. Leaders say geography and distance have made it difficult for providers to justify the costly infrastructure needed to reach these areas.

That reality is now changing.

“I started crying. I couldn’t believe it after all this time,” said retired township supervisor Jan Keough, who has been involved in the effort since 2009.

“The main lesson is, persistence pays off,” Keough said.

Another key figure in the project is Rod Saline, a supervisor for North Star Township, one of the four townships slated to receive broadband service. Saline said approximately 548 residents will now have the opportunity to connect.

He says the benefits go far beyond faster internet speeds.

 “One is from a fire protection and EMS perspective, that communication will improve.” Saline continued on, “Even though we’re just 25 minutes outside Duluth, we’re in a pocket, and this is huge for area like ours throughout the state.”

The expansion is being funded through Minnesota broadband grants, part of a broader effort to improve internet access statewide. Officials say new federal programs could ultimately bring improved broadband service to tens of thousands of homes and businesses across Minnesota.

While construction timelines are still being finalized, county leaders say they hope to break ground this spring.

The four townships receiving broadband include North Star Township, Alt Township, Pequon Township, and Township 54-13.

Local officials say they have been preparing residents for the Mediacom fiber optic service that will be required once construction is complete.