Planned 2024 Expansion Areas
Construction is beginning in these areas, sign up for service today!
GigaZone All-Fiber Optic GigaZone Residential Plans
| Fiber Optic Broadband | Rate |
|---|---|
| 250 Mbps – Upload/Download Speeds up to 250 Mbps | $60/mo. |
| 1 Gig – Upload/Download Speeds up to 1 Gbps | $80/mo. |
| 2 Gig – Upload/Download Speeds up to 2 Gbps | $150/mo. |
| 6 Gig – Upload/Download Speeds up to 6 Gbps | $300/mo. |
| 10 Gig – Additional plans with speeds up to 10 Gbps available | Call for pricing information. |
It is important to sign up before construction leaves the area if you want to bring the fiber optic to your location in 2024. If you wait until later to sign up, you will likely have to wait until the summer of 2025 before a construction crew can return to install the network up to your location.
Expansion Construction Process
We begin the construction process once we determine to expand our all-fiber optic network to an area.
Step 1: Network Engineering
After deciding to expand to a new area, our engineers first map the area and design the network. They typically do this over the winter or early spring. This network design will be the roadmap that our construction crews will follow when building it.
Step 2: Sign Up for Services
We will accept service applications when we finalize the network design and schedule construction. Signing up is crucial for connecting to the network and accessing our services. Remember, we will install the fiber optic network to your home or business only if you sign up for service; this connection is necessary to provide our services. You can register for services online at PaulBunyan.net, in person at our Bemidji or Grand Rapids offices, or by phone. After you submit a service application, we will add your location to our connection list.
Step 3: Construction
Building the entire fiber optic network from scratch is a time-consuming process that we undertake in stages.
In stage one, the mainline, we install the mainline fiber network along the right of way next to roads. This mainline will be the network to which all homes and businesses in the expansion area will connect. Generally, this construction takes four to eight weeks, but might take longer for larger expansion areas.
After completing the mainline, a second crew will connect all the homes and businesses signed up for service. This part of the process can also span several weeks.
The final stage involves cleanup. After finishing the construction, cleanup crews will work to restore areas affected by the work.
Step 4: Fiber Optic Splicing, Network Equipment Installation, and Testing.
The final step of the expansion process operates behind the scenes. In this step, we install the necessary equipment to provide services, splice the individual fiber optic connections, and connect them to our main network. After completing these tasks, we start testing the network to guarantee its proper functioning. This process is also very time-consuming and may span several months.
Step 5: Service Installations
Once the network becomes operational, we will contact you to arrange the installation of services. Typically, we perform these installations during the winter months. Building an all-fiber optic network takes time, but the wait is worthwhile. You will enjoy internet speeds of up to 10 gigs for both uploads and downloads, with no data caps or hidden fees!
Unrivaled Performance
Upload and download speeds
up to 10 Gig
No Data Caps
No Hidden Fees
Hometown Cooperative
When you subscribe to GigaZone Internet service, you become a cooperative member supporting the communities it serves and sharing in our success. *We returned over $3.2 million to members in 2023.
*Past performance is no guarantee of future capital credit returns
Local Service & Support
Our services are backed up by over 160 team members who live and work here just like you. We also offer 24-hour emergency repair
Previous Expansions
*Service availability depends upon location. Prices do not include taxes. Some restrictions may apply.