Midco’s initiative to bring fiber broadband to Grand Forks, North Dakota is progressing, the cable company announced today. The $25 million, five-year build began this past fall.
Most of the work will be completed within the next three years. Once completed, more than 40,000 homes and businesses in the Grand Forks area will have access to Midco’s fiber network.
“We are grateful for Midco’s commitment to Grand Forks’ ever growing tech sector, as well as continuing to improve residents’ connectivity at home,” said Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski, in a prepared statement. “The Fiber Forward investment in Grand Forks is a clear signal that we are on the rise and an important piece of Midco’s future.”
The Grand Forks expansion is part of Midco’s Fiber Forward initiative to bring 10 Gbps capable fiber broadband service to portions of the company’s service area. Midco plans to invest $500 million in the initiative.
“Fiber Forward is our commitment to Grand Forks that we will use the best technology available for a great online experience now and into the future. Fiber optimizes our network for speed and reliability, using the power of light for streaming, gaming, work-from-home, online learning – really anything our customers want to keep them connected to the world,” said Jon Pederson, Midco chief technology officer, in a prepared statement about the Midco North Dakota project.
Midco is making a full court press in North Dakota, including adding community-based activities like sponsoring the University of North Dakota, the Alerus Center, and several non-profits including the Northlands Rescue Mission and St. Joseph’s Social Care.