SPICER - The second in a series of meetings on broadband expansion in northern Kandiyohi County will be at 5 p.m. today at the Dethlefs Center in Spicer.
Representatives of Consolidated Telecommunications Co. will be on hand to explain the project and answer questions. Those who live or do business within the proposed project zone also will have an opportunity to sign up for future services.
Consolidated Telecommunications was awarded a grant earlier this year through the Minnesota Office of Broadband Technology to bring high-speed internet to unserved rural neighborhoods in north central Kandiyohi County. The $10 million project includes a $5 million local share in the form of tax abatement bonds issued by Kandiyohi County.
The proposed service area includes about 1,100 households, 149 businesses and four community anchor institutions.
Connie Schmoll, business development specialist for the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission, said 53 people attended the first meeting, which was held Monday evening.
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Consolidated Telecommunications Co. needs at least half of the potential customer base within the target area to become subscribers in order to make the project financially feasible. Because of the state grant funds, those who sign up during the project deployment will not be charged installation fees, Schmoll said.
Monthly fees are competitive with services offered by other local carriers. Bundles that include landline telephone service and TV also will be offered if there's enough interest.
A final informational meeting with CTC will be held at 5 p.m. April 4 at the Dethlefs Center in Spicer.
