City of Scandia, MN

OLD INTERNET ACTION BLOG POSTS

The following is a history of internet update entries to the the City of Scandia Internet Action Blog:

SCANDIA INTERNET ACTION BLOG

Scandia Internet Expansion Update – Spring 2022 (5/20/2022)

  • We began with 743 homes already connected to high-speed broadband (gigabit download speed available) from Midco in 2019.
  • Our goal is to add an average 200 homes per year over five years (2020 through 2024).
  • During the 2020 construction season we added a total of 255 homes at a cost of $160,00 to the city.
  • During the 2021 construction season we added a total of 171 homes at a cost of $250,000 to the city.
  • For 2022 we expect to add 161 homes, but this number may go up once the construction plans are finalized. The city and Midco were successful in applying for a $100,000 grant from Washington County to help offset this year’s construction costs.  Midco also received federal dollars (RDOF) to assist.  Total cost to the city will be $219,000.
  • As of May 16th, construction on this year’s expansion is underway with completion expected in the late fall.

When this year’s project is complete the 3-year total will be 587 homes added, only a bit under our goal and we’ll have a total of 1,330 homes connected to high-speed broadband out of a total of 1,794.  This represents 74% coverage by the end of this year.

Here’s a map showing areas currently served and those scheduled to be served by the end of 2022:

This 2022 proposed buildout with Midco includes 161 proposed buildouts, which includes one business.

2022 Proposed Midco Buildout Areas - Copy

(Map provided by Midco to the City May 2022)

The City of Scandia and Washington County are providing Grant funding for a build area as shown above as Area A in green, which includes 48 houses.  The project area in the north central part of the City, shown in green as Area C has 33 houses, and the buildout on Scandia Trail N, shown as area B in green has 33 homes for a total of 161 houses to be served in this project.

Total project cost for 2022 is estimated at $578,736 for direct build Area A.  The breakdown of cost shares is as follows:

Participant

Cost Share

% Share of Cost

Midco

$259,736

44.9%

City of Scandia Direct Grant

$219,000 (previously $319k prior to Washington County grant participation)

37.8%

Washington County Grant

$100,000

17.3%

                                                TOTAL   $578,736

The estimated cost per individual build for this project is $5,076.63.  It is anticipated that this cost will go up as Midco typically self supports buildouts that are estimated by the City to between $2,000 and $2,500. As result, the Committee has anticipated the grant support needs will increase as build areas include lower densities and larger distances. 

The Committee recommended that the $100,000 savings from the 2022 buildout, courtesy of Washington County’s Grant participation, should go into the 2023 grant buildout proposed budget. 

The committee further recommended by consensus that this updated data be included in a website update along with making changes to the Internet Update Page to better find the City’s estimated progress map.

It was noted that this year’s buildout includes 47 houses that will be covered by the Federal Rural Digital Opportunities Fund (RDOF) and the remaining 114 houses for this year are to be covered by City of Scandia and Washington County grants.  

We’re currently working on plans for 2023 and beyond and are hopeful that new county, state, and federal funding assistance will be available to allow our continued build out as planned.   This will be essential as we move into less densely populated areas that will be more expensive to connect.

Back to Top

Last updated May 20, 2022 4:10:23 PM

Scandia Internet Expansion 2021 - 2022 - July 2021 Update
The expansion of high-speed broadband in Scandia continues with two separate projects adding 151 households in 2021 and another project adding 62 households in 2022.

The first project is the result of Scandia and MidCo winning another Minnesota Broadband Grant (DEED) as well as MidCo winning their Rural Digital Opportunity Fund auction (RDOF).  MidCo and DEED worked to modify the grant to avoid any overlap within MidCo’s RDOF area since DEED’s current policy prohibits using state broadband funds in RDOF locations.

Despite DEED’s funding reduction MidCo will still build the original 79 DEED locations plus 11 more outside both their DEED and RDOF areas. 

The total cost for this first project is $434,144 and covers the original DEED area (79 homes) plus Paris Ave N. (11 homes).  Cost breakout is as follows:

Scandia = $165,000
State = $78,824
MidCo = $190,320

Construction on this project has begun and will be completed by late fall.

The second project is the result of an agreement between Scandia and MidCo.  Scandia is providing direct aid to construction bringing high-speed broadband to 61 more households.  The total project cost is $227,000.  Cost breakout is as follows:

Scandia = $85,000
MidCo = $142,000

Construction is expected to begin later this summer with completion by the end of the year.

Lastly, MidCo has identified 62 homes in their RDOF area to be built in 2022 and are evaluating areas for further expansion in 2022 in partnership with Scandia.

New construction for each project will be FTTP (Fiber to the Premises) with the capability to provide speeds of 5 gigabits per second up and down. MidCo will offer telephone and cable TV service in addition to high-speed Internet, as they do in their current service areas.

The planned expansions for 2021 and 2022 will add a total of 213 households.  This will bring the number of Scandia households with high-speed Internet to 1313, having added 468 households to the pre-existing 845 households since our expansion work began in 2019.  So, we’ll have increased Scandia’s broadband coverage from 44% to 73%.

Our goal is to continue this expansion until all households are covered by the end of 2024.  We’ll use local, state, federal and private funding to reach this goal thus bringing high-speed Internet to all of Scandia as quickly and economically as possible.

The following map shows the new expansion areas for 2021 – 2022:

For information on MidCo look here:
https://midco.com/about/service-areas/scandia

Here are some pictures of this year’s construction in progress:

New Junction box and fiber conduit near 22605 Olinda Trl N.  This is to expand from service area added last year to the new areas this year. This line will go to Pilar Rd N and Paris Ave N.


Here’s a truck with fiber conduit parked at the intersection of Pilar Rd N and Paris Ave N.


This is the “Ditch Witch” the digs the ditch for the fiber conduit.  This was on Paris Ave N.


This is at the intersection of Olinda Trl N and Oren.  New junction box for equipment to feed homes along Oren and Olgilvie N onto Oldfield Ave N and then to 236th and 237th St N and 240 St N.


Small equipment enclosure on Oren.  Note fiber conduit coming out of the ground.


Another equipment enclosure on Oren near Olgilvie.


Service tap enclosure near house on Olgilvie.


Fiber conduit on Olgilvie.


Second crew digging at intersection of Oren and Oldfield.


Second truck with fiber conduit spool at Oren and Oldfield.

UPDATED 7/29/2021

Back to Top

 

The following map was created using several publicly available data sources.

While every attempt was made to ensure accuracy, the information is not warranted to be 100% accurate.

Click on the Options symbol, in the upper left corner of the map, to hide and reveal the various display options.

Click on the Expand symbol, in the upper right corner of the map, to open the map in a new page and expand it to a full page.
Back to Top

Scandia Internet Expansion Plan

The Internet Action Committee will work diligently to provide High Speed Internet coverage to the citizens of Scandia quickly at the lowest cost to the City by leveraging grants from both State and Federal government, and funding from current service providers with infrastructure in the community, and the City. 

Internet service of 1 Gig Down (1000 Mbps) and 20 Mbps Up will be delivered wherever financially practical first.  Areas with significantly higher construction costs will come later and may require a combination of wired and wireless solutions to achieve our goal. 

We will seek financially viable solutions without increasing taxes. Studies have shown that substantial municipal funding required to provide Internet to communities with low household density has been unsustainable and imposed serious burdens on taxpayers.   Scandia is in that group with a household density of less than 50 homes per square mile.  

However, by working with existing Internet providers in the community who already cover a substantial area we keep expansion costs to a reasonable level, avoid unnecessary financial risks and will still deploy High Speed Internet throughout Scandia in the shortest time.

Each month provides new information that could lead to new approaches. Technology continues to advance and the IAC is dedicated to employing that new technology wherever practical. Regular contact with Internet expansion partners will ensure Scandia will continue to lead in expanding our High-Speed Internet footprint.

Our goal is to see Scandia’s Internet expansion successfully conclude with the entire City served by the end of 2024.

Year by Year Goals
(Household numbers are approximate.) 

Year One - 2020  

Goal 200 + Homes

Start:  792 homes at 44% Covered 

DEED Grant/Midco/Scandia

Actual 240 Homes 

End:  1032 homes at 57% Covered

 

Year Two

2021

Goal 200+ Homes Added / Total of 1232 homes for 68% Covered

Year Three

2022

Goal 200+ Homes Added / Total of 1432 homes for 80% Covered

Year Four

2023

Goal 200+ Homes Added / Total of 1632 homes for 90% Covered

Year Five

2024 

Goal 168+ Homes Added / Total of 1800 homes for 100% Covered

                               
Funding Options                              
DEED Grant/Midco/Scandia
Rural Digital Opportunity Fund
Foundation Grants
ISP (MidCo, Frontier, Other)/Scandia/ Homeowner Neighborhood Projects / 50-25-25%

Technology Options
MidCo Fiber Deep
Midco Fixed Wireless
Frontier Fiber to the Neighborhood / G.Fast
Private Fixed Wireless
Private Gigabit Passive Optical Networks (Fiber – GPON)

Back to Top

Internet Action Committee (IAC) Report for City Council 8-18-2020 (Revised 8-24-20)

Scandia MidCo Construction Update:

Overall underground work is at 41,568’ (8 miles) complete out of 92,807’ (17.5 miles) or 45% complete. We expect all underground work will be complete by September 15th and all 6 nodes will be active and ready for customers by October 15th at the latest; provided there are no material or weather-related delays.

We’re on target to have people get service by the end of October.  That’s 240 households (500 residents) with access to high speed Internet with 1 Gig Down and 20 Mb Up that didn’t have it before.

I drove all the expansions areas yesterday and the progress is looking good.  This construction is referred to as ‘Fiber Deep’.  MidCo runs fiber to a node and converts to coax within the last mile or so.  Conduit will allow a direct fiber connection from the node to customers, businesses or homes, if desired (additional installation and monthly charges will apply).

New Grant Applications:

We’ve made it past the first internal review as MidCo prepares its DEED grant applications for this fall.  MidCo starts with about 30 targeted projects then further reduces that to 12 projects.  We’re currently in that group of 12.

The areas of this new DEED grant application are still under evaluation but will by necessity be adjacent to existing MidCo infrastructure to keep deployment costs to a reasonable level.

Last Friday MidCo was required to inform competitors in the area of their intent to file for another grant.  In our case that’s Frontier. MidCo will continue their internal process going to 6 candidate projects to submit to DEED this September (this was the same process as last year).

Ultimately DEED approved 2 of the 6 MidCo projects last year, one of them being Scandia’s.  Once again, our monetary participation in these grants has been an important factor increasing our chance of success.

MidCo is also working on a federal grant for our area.  This is part of the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunities Fund (RDOF).  There is no need for Scandia to contribute money for these grants.  We will not know the results of this process until late October.  The areas eligible for this grant are available at the FCC RDOF page here: https://www.fcc.gov/reports-research/maps/auction-904-preliminary-eligible-areas/

Submitted by:
Robert Wilmers
Chair
Scandia Internet Action Committee

Back to Top

Scandia Internet Expansion Update 8/24/2020

MidCo 2020 Project

As of August 14th, 2020, overall underground work is at 41,568’ (8 miles) complete out of 92,807’ (17.5 miles) or 45% complete. We expect all underground work will be complete by September 15th and all 6 nodes will be active and ready for customers by October 15th at the latest; provided there are no material or weather-related delays.

We’re on target to have people get service by the end of October.  That’s 240 households (500 residents) with access to high speed Internet with 1 Gig Down and 20 Mb Up that didn’t have it before.


MidCo crew working near Olinda Trail and 202nd Street N.

This construction is referred to as ‘Fiber Deep’.  MidCo runs fiber to a node and converts to coax within the last mile or so.  Conduit will allow a direct fiber connection from the node to customers, businesses or homes, if desired (additional installation and monthly charges will apply).

For real time construction updates and information of Internet packages look here:
https://midco.com/about/service-areas/scandia

For technical details of MidCo Internet Services look here:
https://www.midco.com/legal/internet-service-performance/

As Midco continues work on its broadband network extension to bring critical access to the residents and businesses of Scandia, you may be contacted by a representative of Midco regarding permission to bury lines on your property. This will be a large feeder line drop. Additionally, Midco will place a small pedestal next to the power transformer box in the homeowner’s yard, near the end of each driveway. This will ensure residents and homeowners can be connected with Midco’s services after the build is complete.  If you wish to contact Midco directly with a verbal permission to clear the way for construction, please contact Laura Morrison-Peterson at 651-900-0058.

New Grant Applications

We’ve made it past the first internal review as MidCo prepares its DEED grant applications for this fall.  MidCo starts with about 30 targeted projects then further reduces that to 12 projects.  We’re currently in that group of 12.

The areas of this new DEED grant application are still under evaluation but will by necessity be adjacent to existing MidCo infrastructure to keep deployment costs to a reasonable level.

MidCo will continue their internal process going to 6 candidate projects to submit to DEED this September (this was the same process as last year). 

Ultimately DEED approved 2 of the 6 MidCo projects last year, one of them being Scandia’s.  Once again, our monetary participation in these grants has been an important factor increasing our chance of success.

MidCo is also working on a federal grant for our area.  This is part of the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunities Fund (RDOF).  There is no need for Scandia to contribute money for these grants.  We will not know the results of this process until late October.  The areas eligible for this grant are available at the FCC RDOF page here:  https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904


Areas in Scandia eligible for RDOF Funding.

If you have questions or comments for the Scandia Internet Action Committee please send them to:
mail@ci.scandia.mn.us
Include IAC in the subject line.

Back to Top

AG Ellison settles with Frontier, concluding investigations into Minnesota telecoms providers

Settlement to provide meaningful benefits to Frontier’s customers, many of whom live in Greater Minnesota

July 13, 2020 (SAINT PAUL) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced today that his office has entered into a settlement with Frontier Communications. The settlement with Frontier concludes the three major investigations and lawsuits that the Attorney General’s office launched into Minnesota’s major telecoms providers for deceptive, misleading, and fraudulent practices. Attorney General Ellison’s office settled lawsuits against CenturyLink and Comcast/Xfinity earlier this year.

The Assurance of Discontinuance with Frontier Communications of America, Inc., Frontier Communications of Minnesota, Inc., and Citizens Telecommunications Company of Minnesota, LLC (collectively, “Frontier”) resolves the Attorney General’s investigation into possible deceptive and misleading practices related to Frontier’s billing and sale of internet services. As part of the settlement, Frontier agrees to fully disclose its prices for internet service to new customers before they take service, allow many current customers to cancel their current service without penalty, make significant investments to upgrade its network to provide better service, and pay restitution for past harm.  

Frontier provides telephone and internet service to approximately 90,000 customers in Minnesota, many of whom live outside the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro area and have limited options for high-speed internet service.  Minnesotans who are customers of Frontier may submit a claim for restitution through a dedicated claim form on the Attorney General’s website, or by calling (651) 296-3353 (Metro) or (800) 657-3787 (Greater Minnesota).

“It’s hard enough to afford your life these days. For so many folks, especially in Greater Minnesota, affording your life means being able to rely on the promises your telecoms provider makes for the internet service you depend on. For too many Minnesotans, Frontier broke its promises,” Attorney General Ellison said. “With this settlement with Frontier, and following the resolution of our lawsuits against CenturyLink and Comcast/Xfinity, now most Minnesotans can trust that they’ll be getting what they paid for from their telecoms providers, and that they’re paying what they were promised and no more.”

The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office began its investigation in 2018 after receiving numerous complaints from Frontier’s customers. Based on its investigation, the Attorney General’s Office alleged that Frontier used a variety of deceptive and misleading practices to overcharge its customers, such as: billing customers more than they were quoted by Frontier’s agents; failing to disclose fees and surcharges in its sales presentations and advertising materials; and billing customers for services that were not delivered. Attorney General Ellison’s Office also alleged that Frontier sold Minnesotans expensive internet services with so-called “maximum speed” ratings that were not attainable, and that Frontier improperly advertised its service as “reliable,” when in fact it did not provide enough bandwidth for customers to consistently receive their expected service.

Attorney General Ellison’s settlement resolves these allegations by requiring Frontier to take the following steps:

  1. Clearly disclose the important terms of its internet service to potential customers at the time it sells them internet service. This disclosure must include the exact “base price” for Frontier’s service; estimated amounts of any taxes, fees, surcharges, and one-time fees; and any recurring charges. Frontier must also disclose the time period that the customer will be charged this amount, and any applicable cancellation charge.
  2. Provide all new customers with a written Order Confirmation that identifies the customer’s total expected charges, and provide customers with the ability to cancel service without charge before installation.
  3. Reform its sales and advertising practices to ensure customers are informed of the speed capability of internet service at their specific locations.
  4. Notify existing customers who are not receiving internet service at the maximum speed they are paying for, and allow those customers to change to a lower-priced plan or discontinue service at no cost.
  5. Ensure that every customer’s maximum internet speed is at least 90 percent of the maximum speed advertised in the customer’s service plans.
  6. Invest at least $10 million over four years to improve its broadband network. This amount is in addition to any money Frontier may receive from outside government grants, and its current commitments for improvements.
  7. Pay restitution of $750,000 that the Attorney General’s Office can distribute to Frontier’s customers for past harm.


Before entering into this settlement, Frontier had filed for bankruptcy in New York.

In January of 2019, the Minnesota Department of Commerce filed a separate report with the Public Utilities Commission, which found that the telecommunications provider failed to provide adequate, reliable phone and internet service to Minnesota customers.  The Department of Commerce found that “[m]any of the issues reported by consumers show direct violations of Minnesota law and [Minnesota Public Utilities] Commission rules, and indicate broad, systemic problems with Frontier’s service quality, recordkeeping and business operations.” The Attorney General's Office began its investigation of Frontier before the Department's report and the Attorney General's settlement does not impact the Department's or the PUC's investigation.

Back to Top

Scandia Internet Expansion Plan

The Internet Action Committee will work diligently to provide High Speed Internet coverage to the citizens of Scandia quickly at the lowest cost to the City by leveraging grants from both State and Federal government, and funding from current service providers with infrastructure in the community, and the City. 

Internet service of 1 Gig Down (1000 Mbps) and 20 Mbps Up will be delivered wherever financially practical first.  Areas with significantly higher construction costs will come later and may require a combination of wired and wireless solutions to achieve our goal. 

We will seek financially viable solutions without increasing taxes. Studies have shown that substantial municipal funding required to provide Internet to communities with low household density has been unsustainable and imposed serious burdens on taxpayers.   Scandia is in that group with a household density of less than 50 homes per square mile.  

However, by working with existing Internet providers in the community who already cover a substantial area we keep expansion costs to a reasonable level, avoid unnecessary financial risks and will still deploy High Speed Internet throughout Scandia in the shortest time.

Each month provides new information that could lead to new approaches. Technology continues to advance and the IAC is dedicated to employing that new technology wherever practical. Regular contact with Internet expansion partners will ensure Scandia will continue to lead in expanding our High-Speed Internet footprint.

Our goal is to see Scandia’s Internet expansion successfully conclude with the entire City served by the end of 2024.

Year by Year Goals
(Household numbers are approximate.)

Year One - 2020  

Goal 200 + Homes

Start:  792 homes at 44% Covered 

DEED Grant/Midco/Scandia

Actual 240 Homes 

End:  1032 homes at 57% Covered

 

Year Two

2021

Goal 200+ Homes Added / Total of 1232 homes for 68% Covered

Year Three

2022

Goal 200+ Homes Added / Total of 1432 homes for 80% Covered

Year Four

2023

Goal 200+ Homes Added / Total of 1632 homes for 90% Covered

Year Five

2024 

Goal 168+ Homes Added / Total of 1800 homes for 100% Covered


Funding Options                              
DEED Grant/Midco/Scandia
Rural Digital Opportunity Fund
Foundation Grants
ISP (MidCo, Frontier, Other)/Scandia/ Homeowner Neighborhood Projects / 50-25-25%

Technology Options
MidCo Fiber Deep
Midco Fixed Wireless
Frontier Fiber to the Neighborhood / G.Fast
Private Fixed Wireless
Private Gigabit Passive Optical Networks (Fiber – GPON)

 

learn more