Paul Bunyan Communications Expanding Broadband Further in Hubbard County

Cooperative will bring its all-fiber optic Broadband network to over 225 more locations in 2026 

(Bemidji, MN) (March 23, 2026) – Paul Bunyan Communications has announced plans to expand its all-fiber optic network into new areas of Hubbard County, bringing fast, reliable Internet and WiFi to more than 225 homes and businesses.

This expansion will include areas of Henrietta and Todd Townships south of Fishhook Lake, as well as areas south and west of Long Lake in Hubbard Township. 

Once the new all-fiber optic network is operational, homes and businesses can get fast, dependable GigaZone™ Internet and WiFi built to keep every device connected. Voice services, including unlimited local and long-distance, will also be available. Business customers will gain access to Managed IT Business Services like VOIP, Disaster Backup and Recovery, and Network Management. In addition, Paul Bunyan Communications is an authorized DIRECTV dealer and certified Apple Service Center. There is no membership fee to join the cooperative. Membership begins when you subscribe to GigaZone™ Internet or local phone service.

Construction will take place over the summer, with services expected to be available by winter. To get connected, residents and businesses need to sign up for service before construction leaves the area. Sign up online, over the phone, or in person at our Bemidji Cooperative Headquarters. To check to see if a specific location is within an expansion area and sign up for services, visit https://paulbunyan.net/

“Reliable Internet access is essential for everyday life, whether it’s for work, education, healthcare, or running a business,” said Chad Bullock, CEO and General Manager of Paul Bunyan Communications. “This expansion continues our commitment to investing in rural communities and delivering world-class connectivity for our region.”

This project is made possible through a USDA ReConnect Round 3 grant award. The portion of construction built with grant dollars will be an estimated $500,000.

Click Here for a map of new construction

Paul Bunyan Communications has the region’s largest all fiber optic network with over 6,000 square miles throughout most of Beltrami County and portions of Aitkin, Cass, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, and St. Louis Counties. The Cooperative provides homes and businesses GigaZone®, Broadband High-Speed Internet & WiFi Service with upload and download speeds up to 10 Gig, digital voice services, and Managed IT Business Services. The cooperative is also Northern Minnesota’s certified Apple Service Center and an authorized DIRECTV dealer.