BTC Fiber Project

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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.

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