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Kandiyohi council declines to pursue $660,000 fiber buildout after provider quote
Summary
City Clerk reported a $660,000 estimate from Vibrant Broadband to bring fiber into Kandiyohi; council said the cost and limited resident demand made the project infeasible without provider commitment or grant eligibility.
The Kandiyohi City Council heard an estimated $660,000 price to extend fiber service into the city and concluded the project was not currently feasible.
City Clerk/Treasurer Julie Woltjer told the council she requested quotes from Vibrant Broadband/Fiber and Charter Communications after residents raised internet-speed concerns; Charter did not respond and Vibrant supplied the $660,000 estimate. Woltjer said the city would not qualify for any grants, as presented to the council.
Council members said the cost would not be cost-effective for residents given only a few complaints and noted that, in most cases, broadband providers cover buildout costs rather than municipalities. Council members also said a provider typically would need about 100 residences committed to connect for a buildout to be viable.
No motion was made to pursue the quoted buildout; the council took no further action at the meeting. The topic may be revisited if additional resident interest, provider proposals, or grant opportunities emerge.
