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Gateway Fiber introduces plans to build fiber in Cottage Grove; council approves consent agenda
Summary
Gateway Fiber’s head of government affairs introduced the company’s fiber‑to‑the‑home plans for Cottage Grove; council approved the meeting’s consent agenda after the presentation and Gateway representatives said construction will focus on minimizing disruption and include flat-rate pricing and no installation fees.
Gateway Fiber representatives told the Cottage Grove City Council on May 21 that the company plans to expand fiber-to-the-home service to the city, promising community-focused outreach, flat-rate pricing and no contracts.
Derek Leffert, who introduced himself as head of government affairs for Gateway Fiber, said the company began in 2019 with the stated aim of bringing high-speed internet to underserved communities and has since expanded to multiple Twin Cities–area municipalities. “We’ll be making significant investments here in Cottage Grove to bring high speed Internet to the residents and businesses,” Leffert said.
Leffert outlined customer-facing policies the company uses in other Minnesota communities: no introductory pricing, no installation fees and no contracts, with communications and restoration plans to limit disruption during construction. “We do realize that this process can be disruptive. Anytime there’s any sort of a utility project, it’s disruptive. Our intent is to make it the as least the least disruptive as possible,” he said.
Leffert said Gateway Fiber prioritizes community partnerships and regular updates during construction, including door hangers and sandwich boards in neighborhoods where crews are working, and emphasized a focus on restoration where work is completed.
The council moved and approved the consent agenda, which included items related to the RFP process Gateway participated in. Councilmember Olson moved approval; Councilmember Garza seconded. The mayor announced the consent agenda motion carried.
The meeting record did not include contract terms, construction schedule, or a detailed map of initial service areas; Gateway representatives said they will communicate construction plans directly with neighborhoods once projects begin.
