Waseca County broadband program wins national recognition; household connections begin March 1
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Summary
County staff reported nearly $8 million in broadband funding secured, most from the state, and said provider Bevcom will begin connecting households March 1. Officials urged residents to apply to the Minnesota Line Extension Program (round 5) — up to $25,000 per connection under state statute.
Waseca County’s broadband rollout moved closer to homes this week as county staff said the county has secured just under $8 million for broadband development and that household connections will begin March 1.
County broadband consultant Steve noted the National Association of Counties recognized Waseca County’s broadband work in 2025 and credited county leadership and partners for the progress. "That's a huge achievement," he said during the meeting.
Most of the funding, Steve said, has come from state sources; the county has contributed about $800,000 and some private-industry support came from companies including RevComp. Steve said contractor Bevcom (via EFCOM) will use its own crews to make outside-to-inside connections. "They usually do about eight of those a day," he said, projecting the pace would put roughly 600 pending connections on track for completion when construction finishes later in 2026.
The consultant advised residents who are ‘‘on the edge’’ of service to apply for the Minnesota Line Extension Program, which opened its fifth round this month. Under the program, the state contracts with internet service providers through a reverse-auction process; applicants remain in the pool across rounds. Steve described the program as free to homeowners and business owners and said state statute caps the maximum award at $25,000 per connection. He added that distance, terrain and permitting affect cost and that typical feasible distances fall in the 1–3 mile range from an existing line.
Bill Echols of EFCOM, referenced in the discussion, told commissioners that final-connection issues slowed some fall work but that the vendor expects to begin household hookups in early March.
Why it matters: faster household connections mean residents who have been waiting for service could soon gain reliable internet for work, health care, education and business. County staff urged neighbors to coordinate applications because denser clusters of applicants increase the likelihood ISPs will bid to serve an area.
Next steps: Bevcom/contractors will begin physical connections March 1, and staff recommended continued outreach to residents about applying for the Minnesota Line Extension Program.