Instead of using taxpayer dollars to upgrade the decades-old cable systems, city leaders decided more than a year ago to ask private companies to assume cable system ownership on the condition that the partnering company invest its own resources to expand broadband capabilities for homes and businesses. After one local telecommunications company said 'no' to the requests, Mediacom stepped forward and agreed to rebuild the systems, extending and connecting each community to a Mediacom's fiber optic network that extends from Grand Rapids to Gilbert and Virginia.
The replacement of old lines within the cities and the interconnection allows for delivery of new broadband capabilities and advanced digital services. Residents in Taconite, Marble and Calumet can now connect to the Internet using high-speed broadband and its speeds of 8, 10 or 20 megabits per second (mbps) - a dramatic increase from the slow, dial-up speeds previously available. The upgrade also delivers, for the first time via cable, high-definition television reception for local broadcast stations and the most popular cable channels.
The transfer of the three municipal cable systems means that Mediacom assumes responsibility for ongoing technology improvements and maintenance of the fiber-based network, according to Tom Bordwell, Mediacom's Senior Manager for Government Relations. Bordwell said his company provides digital telecommunication services to more than 100 Minnesota communities, including 20 communities and townships in Itasca and Saint Louis Counties.
"Mediacom understands the importance of delivering a full menu of broadband and advanced digital services to small communities, to keep them on par with services available in larger cities," Bordwell said. "Mediacom invested significant dollars in network construction costs for this three-city project, but we believe it is consistent with our company's mission to provide advanced telecommunication services to non-urban areas. In fact, most of Mediacom's customers and employees live in communities similar to Taconite, Marble and Calumet."
Taconite City Clerk Michael Troumbly recently sent a letter of appreciation to Mediacom's CEO, conveying a message on behalf of the Taconite City Council.
"After 48 years of providing video service on a municipal basis, the City could no longer provide the needed capital to maintain and expand services," Troumbly wrote. The previous option of slow dial-up Internet service, he said, "stopped businesses from locating within our city. But now, our residents and businesses have options for many levels of video programming, high-speed Internet, and even telephone service."
Mediacom Communications is the nation's 8th largest cable television company and is one of the leading cable operators focused on serving the smaller cities and towns in the United States. Mediacom Communications offers a wide array of broadband products and services, including traditional video services, digital television, video-on-demand, digital video recorders, high-definition television, high-speed Internet access and phone service.
Mediacom Contacts:
Tom Bordwell,
Senior Manager for Government Relations
952-472-8695,
or
Phyllis Peters,
Communications Director
515-707-7148
