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September 2005
Blackduck Telephone Company’s
$5.3 million investment in our future is happening. As announced
in May 2005, Blackduck Telephone Company was approved
for a $5.7 million loan from the United States Department of Agriculture’s
Rural Utilities Service. The majority of this money, $5.3 million,
is going to be used for new construction with the remainder allotted
for refinancing of existing debt.
How are we investing in our future?
Outside plant construction
Blackduck Telephone Company has hired Mlaskoch Excavating
and Utility of Willow River Minnesota for Phase I of our outside
construction project. Phase I includes routes to the north, northeast,
east, west and southwest of Blackduck and should be completed in
2005. From the major corridors we branch out along county and township
roads. Phase I includes 120 miles of new fiber optic and copper
cable.
Phase II includes our south route serving customers along and either
side of the scenic highway. This includes many of the lake areas
we serve such as North and South Twin, Moose Lake, Gilstad Lake,
Kitchi Lake and areas around Skimmerhorn. Phase II is scheduled
for the 2006 construction season, pending approval and necessary
permits from the Chippewa National Forest and includes 60 miles
of new fiber optic and copper cable.
Project Engineering and Management
We have retained CC&I Engineering as the consulting
engineer for this project. From the initial design to on-going project
management, we will be relying on CC&I to ensure that our project
goes according to plan and schedule. Their goal is the same as ours.
Build a new network that delivers “The Future at Your Fingertips”.
Look for news on our new electronics cabinets
and central office switch coming soon.
Article 1, 2, 3
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