County officials hear broadband update as provider says Benton County buildout is complete
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Summary
Betten/Benton Communications told the Benton County Board it has finished the county broadband buildout funded in part by ARPA and state grants, reporting roughly 251 miles plowed, 988 premises passed and 467 installs to date; commissioners praised the local partnership and asked staff to circulate line-extension resources for remaining isolated residences.
Betten Communications representatives briefed the Benton County Board on Nov. 18, saying company-led projects supported by county American Rescue Plan Act funds and Minnesota state grants have completed the countywide broadband buildout.
Cheryl (Betten/Benton Communications) said the company and partner crews plowed about 251 miles of fiber, passing 988 establishments and installing service for 467 customers so far. After state and federal grants, the company’s investment in county projects totaled roughly $2.33 million, she said. "All of Benton County is built out at this point," she told commissioners, adding that take rates are rising and that the company reduced a prior 1-gig price to $109.95.
Operations manager Chad Koenig said the firm reached many homes that previously lacked reliable service and credited a cooperative approach with townships and county leaders. He described technical work completed for the Benton South/Grama project and said the company also offers landline and backup circuits to schools: "We worked a deal with the school district to provide them with a 1-gig backhaul, backup circuit straight down to the high school," Koenig said, describing a recent outage that was mitigated by the new backup.
Commissioners and public speakers praised the county’s strategy of using ARPA and matching state funds to expand rural access. One commissioner noted roughly a 50% take rate on the most recent south-county project; Betten said penetration usually grows as neighbors sign up.
Officials also discussed how residents who still lack eligibility because of map boundaries can apply for Minnesota’s line-extension program. The provider said staff will forward application guidance to the county for distribution. Commissioner remarks during the meeting urged staff to share the state link and to work with townships to help isolated residents submit requests.
At the meeting the provider also announced a management change: a retirement effective Jan. 30 and an incoming manager, Josh Anderson. Commissioners thanked Betten Communications for local service and for coordinating with the county’s broadband committee.
Next steps: staff will circulate the state line-extension guidance and the company offered to assist townships that want to organize sign-ups for leftover residences.
