RS Fiber Cooperative

RS Fiber receives Blandin Foundation Courageous Leadership Award

October 29, 2019 By Dave Dicke •

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NISSWA, Minn. (Oct. 14, 2019) – RS Fiber Cooperative, Inc. was presented with a Courageous Leadership Award at the 15^th annual Blandin Foundation broadband conference, Innovation: Putting Broadband to Work, held last week at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, Minn. The cooperative’s board of directors was honored for its commitment, courage and innovative approach that launched a new broadband cooperative providing fiber optic connectivity to residents in ten communities.

”It was a long and arduous process to create RS Fiber,” said Bernadine Joselyn, director of public policy and engagement at Blandin Foundation. “Despite many obstacles, the RS Fiber board remains dedicated to the proposition that the fate of region’s population centers is inexorably linked to the fate of its farmers and their farms. Their persistence and commitment inspire me.” Courageous Leadership Awards were created by Blandin Foundation to recognize and celebrate acts of leadership that have significantly contributed to the vibrancy of rural Minnesota communities.

RS Fiber is a community-owned, community-driven network bringing high-speed, low-cost broadband services to more than 2,200 customers in Renville, Sibley, McLeod and Nicollet counties. In recognition of their accomplishments, RS Fiber previously received the League of Minnesota Cities’ “City of Excellence Award” in 2016 for their collaboration in working to bring high-speed broadband Internet to their communities.

“Local leadership was the essence of this project,” said Dave Rieke, broadband champion and former RS Fiber board member. “Broadband access in rural Minnesota is the lifeline to the world. The community knew this, and local leaders became the vehicle to carry forward our shared vision.”

RS Fiber was honored alongside eleven other awardees who all have taken courageous action to bring the benefits of broadband to their communities. Award winners include: City of Windom, the partnership between Cook County and Arrowhead Electric, PCs for People, the partnership between Lac qui Parle County and Farmers Mutual Telephone Company, Southwest Minnesota Broadband Services, the late Paul Bergman, City of Monticello, Jan Keogh, Nancy Hoffman, and Gary Evans.

“All of these individuals, organizations and communities knew early on many other rural communities are just now realizing – that broadband access, and the skills to use it, are fundamental for strong economies, leading-edge education and healthcare, and a high quality of life,” said Joselyn. “RS Fiber communities already are seeing significant economic growth, like the medical school coming to Gaylord along with education, telemedicine, and precision agriculture benefits.”

Read profiles of each award winner at http://courageousleadersmnbb.org.

About Blandin Foundation: Blandin Foundation works for vibrant rural Minnesota communities by investing in community leaders and working with partners to expand opportunity for all residents. Located in Grand Rapids, Minn., it is one of only a handful of foundations in the U.S. focused exclusively on rural communities and the largest rural-based private foundation in Minnesota. Information on Blandin Foundation grant-making, leadership development programs and public policy initiatives: www.blandinfoundation.org. Information about the Blandin Broadband Communities Program: http://broadband.blandinfoundation.org

(Press released furnished by the Blandin Foundation)

RS Fiber Cooperative Enters the Growth Phase

August 29, 2018 By Dave Dicke •

For Immediate Release 08/30/2018

Gaylord, MN – As the high-speed broadband project enters its third year, RS Fiber Cooperative (RS Fiber) customer growth has increased by 62% over the past year.

Phase One construction has been completed with the final four member communities being connected to the Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) Gigabit network in the first quarter of 2018. The company is now in the customer acquisition stage for all ten Fiber to the Home communities. To date, RS Fiber serves more than 30% of the homes and businesses in the ten communities and that number continues to grow at a steady rate each month.

The customer acquisition phase moves RS Fiber Cooperative beyond the high risk of a start-up company in construction mode. This also means that the company financing will need to shift to a model that will support continued growth to not only to a positive cash flow but also to profitability as planned by 2021.

At a recent presentation to the Joint Powers Board, Shannon Sweeny of David Drown Associates, Inc., stated that the subordinated debt payments will not be made for the next two years and that the cities will need to make the GO bond payments. The subscriber growth on the network will determine when RS Fiber will be able to take back the payments from the cities. That determination will be looked at annually.

Kevin Lauwagie, the RS Fiber Board Chair, stated that “RS Fiber was founded due to the lack of interest by existing companies to serve the towns and rural townships in our area. Now that the first phase is complete and more than 2,000 residents have already benefited by the service, we know we’ve done the right thing and look forward to continuing with expansion of the service across our region”.

With the project now in its third year, RS Fiber continues its steady growth trend. The company now serves more than 2,000 homes and businesses and has increased revenue by 65% over the past 12 months.

RS Fiber Air, the fixed wireless solution for the 17 townships served in phase 1, continues to expand wireless broadband coverage to new areas of rural Renville and Sibley counties. Five additional towers have been added in the project area in 2018. These towers will continue to expand the reach of broadband services throughout the area.

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About us: RS Fiber Cooperative is a community driven effort to deliver a high-speed fiber-optic connection to Sibley County and portions of Renville, Nicollet, and McLeod Counties. The project has brought fiber-optic Internet, Video, and Phone services to ten cities and broadband fixed wireless to seventeen townships. The RS Fiber mission is: “To provide each and every customer with an exceptional service experience that you can only expect to receive from a local business, while providing you with access to the benefits of the most advanced fiber optic network in the US”.

For additional information, or to schedule an interview, please contact David Dicke at david.dicke@rsfiber.coop or call 507-474-5884.

RS Fiber Open House Event Held in Stewart

April 11, 2018 By Dave Dicke •

For Immediate Release 4/11/18

Stewart, MN –RS Fiber held an open house recently to introduce its high-speed broadband Internet, Video, and Phone services to residents of Stewart, Lake Ally, and Lake Preston.

Around 150 people attended the event, held at Cactus Jack’s II in Stewart, for the opportunity to visit with members of the RS Fiber team and to sign up for services.

RS Fiber operations manager, Ben Ranft, said while installations are currently happening in Stewart, it will be a few more weeks before services are available to those living in Lake Ally and Lake Preston.

“We were really pleased with the turnout. Presently we are connecting homes and businesses in Stewart to the high-speed fiber-optic network. We offer speeds up to a Gigabit and with our Cornerstone program, new customers can upgrade to Gigabit Internet at no additional cost. Stewart residents can also receive their video and phone services from RS Fiber. People living in Lake Ally and Lake Preston can expect to receive services soon.”

The high-speed fiber-optic network is being constructed and operated by Winona, MN based Hiawatha Broadband Communications (HBC). HBC General Manager, Dan Pecarina, says their mission at RS Fiber is to bring the best services possible to customers.

“Whether that is Gigabit service from the fiber optic network in town or broadband wireless to the most rural areas of the townships we serve, we want to deliver the best possible service and hope that we’re also enhancing their lives with the benefits our services offer.”

In addition to enjoying a catered meal, everyone in attendance was eligible to win several door prizes. The winner of a Samsung 40-inch LED TV was Robert Wilson of Buffalo Lake, Lori Vinkemeier of Stewart won an Amazon Echo Show, and the cordless phone went home with Jan Trohkimoinen from Buffalo Lake.

RS Fiber Open House Event Scheduled to be Held in Stewart Next Week

March 27, 2018 By Dave Dicke •

For Immediate Release 03/27/2018

Stewart, MN – RS Fiber Cooperative (RS Fiber) is hosting an open house for the residents of Lake Allie, Lake Preston, and Stewart for all who are interested in learning more about RS Fiber high-speed Internet, Video, and Phone services.

The open house will be held at Cactus Jack’s II in Stewart on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Those attending will be available visit with RS Fiber team members to learn more about high-speed, fiber-optic Internet, high-definition Video, and crystal-clear Phone services. Anyone who signs up for services will be eligible for the RS Fiber Cornerstone program. New Customers choosing 100 Mbps Internet service will have the option of upgrading to Gigabit speeds with no increase to their monthly bill. Also, learn more about how you can get a $50.00 credit towards your new RS Fiber account!

There will also be a free meal served from 5:30 pm until 6:30 pm. The meal will include pulled pork sandwiches, potato salad, baked beans, chips, cookies, ice cream, and a beverage.

All who attend will also be entered into a drawing for a chance to win some great door prizes including a VTech® Cordless Phone, Amazon® Echo Show and at 40-inch Samsung® 1080p LED Smart TV. The prize drawing will be held at 6:30 pm. Winners need not be present to win.

RS Fiber Internet, Video, and Phone services are now available in Stewart and will be available soon in the communities of Lake Allie and Lake Preston.

RS Fiber to Host Buffalo Lake Service Sign-up Open House

February 14, 2018 By Dave Dicke •

For Immediate Release 02/14/2018

Buffalo Lake, MN – RS Fiber Cooperative (RS Fiber) will be hosting an open house for the residents of Buffalo Lake who are interested in learning more about signing up for RS Fiber high-speed Internet, Video, and Phone services.

The public is invited to stop by the Buffalo Lake Community Center on February 21, 2018 from 5:30 pm until 7:00 pm to visit with members of the RS Fiber team to learn more about high-speed, fiber-optic Internet, high-definition Video, and crystal-clear Phone services, and to enjoy a free meal catered by Brownton Bar and Grill.

The free meal will include pulled pork sandwiches, potato salad, baked beans, chips, pickles, cookies and a beverage. Buffalo Lake residents who sign up for services is also eligible for the RS Fiber Cornerstone program. Any customer choosing 100 Mbps Internet service will have the option of upgrading to Gigabit speeds with no increase to their monthly bill. Also, learn more about you can get a $50.00 credit towards your new RS Fiber account!

All who attend will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win some great door prizes including a VTech® Cordless Phone, Amazon® Echo Show and at 40-inch Samsung® LED Smart TV. The prize drawing will be held at 6:30 pm. Winners need not be present to win.

RS Fiber Internet, Video, and Phone services will be available in Buffalo Lake by the end of the month. Service will also be available in Stewart soon!

About us: RS Fiber Cooperative is a community driven effort to deliver a high-speed fiber-optic connection to Sibley County and portions of Renville, Nicollet, and McLeod Counties. The project will bring fiber-optic Internet, Video, and Phone services to ten cities and seventeen townships. The RS Fiber mission is: “To provide each and every customer with an exceptional service experience that you can only expect to receive from a local business, while providing you with access to the benefits of the most advanced fiber optic network in the US”.

For additional information, or to schedule an interview, please contact David Dicke at david.dicke@rsfiber.coop or call 507-474-5884.

RS Fiber Brownton Open House a Success

September 1, 2017 By Dave Dicke •

Brownton, MN – Nearly 200 people from the Brownton area turned out for Wednesday night’s RS Fiber open house at Brownton Community Center.

The event gave Brownton residents the opportunity to meet and visit with members of the RS Fiber team about signing up for services.

RS Fiber general manager, Toby Brummer, said these events are always a lot of fun.

“It’s great to be able to meet with all the people and hear the excitement that this project to bring Gigabit Internet to their community is generating. Everyone seems to be looking forward to getting hooked up and begin enjoying the service.”

The high-speed fiber-optic network is being constructed and operated by Winona, MN based Hiawatha Broadband Communications (HBC). HBC CEO/President, Dan Pecarina, says their mission at RS Fiber is to bring the best services possible to customers.

In addition to a catered meal by Brownton Bar and Grill, those attending were also eligible to win several door prizes, including a Samsung 40-inch LED TV, an Amazon Echo Show, and a cordless phone. Prize winners were: cordless phone – Jim Sikkila; Amazon Echo Show–Nicole Templin; and a Smart TV-Audrey Tongen.

Phase One construction will wrap up this year with services being activated in Fairfax, Stewart, and Buffalo Lake.

RS Fiber to Host Service Open House in Brownton

August 21, 2017 By Dave Dicke •

Winthrop, MN – Residents of Brownton are invited to attend a RS Fiber open house event later this month. The open house will provide residents an opportunity to learn more about RS Fiber RS Fiber services.

The event will be held Wednesday, August 30 at the Brownton Community Center from 5:30 pm until 7:00 pm. Area residents are invited to stop in for a free meal catered by Brownton Bar and Grill, and to learn more about RS Fiber.

RS Fiber General manager Toby Brummer said RS Fiber Team members will be in attendance to answer any questions about and assist individuals with signing up for RS Fiber Internet, Video, Phone, and Air services.

Door prizes will be drawn for at the event.

Internet, Video, and Phone services will be available in Brownton in September.

RS Fiber Announces Faster Wireless Broadband Speeds and Expanded Coverage

August 16, 2017 By Dave Dicke •

Winthrop, MN – RS Fiber has announced it will be offering a second level of broadband speed and expanding coverage area of its wireless broadband service, RS Air.

Company officials say a download speed of 50 Mbps will be available to RS Air customers. This is an enhanced option from the 25 Mbps currently offered for the rural broadband service. The 50 Mbps speed is currently available to 90% of the wireless broadband service area.

Hiawatha Broadband Communications (HBC), the operator for the RS Fiber Network, has served high speed broadband wireless service of 50 Mbps in its own HBC markets for the past year. Following a period of testing in the RS Fiber network, the service became available in August.

HBC President & CEO, Dan Pecarina, states that this speed increase will be of great value customers.

“Our mission at RS Fiber is to bring the best service possible to our customers whether that is Gigabit service from the fiber optic network in town or broadband wireless to the most rural areas of the townships we serve. With more households using more devices, this speed increase option will make it easier for the kids to do their homework at night and for mom and dad to get their online work done too.”

The coverage area of RS Air will also increase with the addition of several new towers. Toby Brummer, RS Fiber General Manager, said that the availability of RS Air service depends on the signal levels received from the tower to the home or business. He said anyone interested in RS Air wireless broadband service should call (800) 628-1754 to schedule a site check to see if RS Air service is available at their location.

RS Fiber Cornerstone Status Rewards Early Subscribers with Lifetime Gigabit Internet

July 6, 2017 By Dave Dicke •

Gaylord, MN – RS Fiber Cooperative (RS Fiber) has announced plans to reward its first customers with a lifetime Gigabit Internet service upgrade as part of a new “Cornerstone Member” program.

Customers can upgrade their current 100 Mbps Internet service to Gigabit speeds with no increase to their monthly bill. The upgraded service will be made available to all RS Fiber residential fiber-optic subscribers through the end of the year in any member community for as long as they remain a continuous RS Fiber customer.

General Manager Toby Brummer said they wanted to thank those RS Fiber customers who supported the high-speed fiber-optic network from the beginning.

“We wanted to do something for those customers who made that early commitment to RS Fiber. We thought they should be recognized in some special way for their loyalty and support of the cooperative. Future Internet applications will likely require higher speeds and this will set our customers up for broadband success for the foreseeable future.”

The network is being constructed and managed for RS Fiber Cooperative by

Hiawatha Broadband Communications, Inc. (HBC). “This Cornerstone program corresponds with a similar implementation done by HBC in our southeast Minnesota communities,” said HBC President and CEO Dan Pecarina.

Phase One construction will be completed later this year with services to be offered in the final four towns of Brownton, Buffalo Lake, Fairfax and Stewart.

About us: RS Fiber Cooperative is a community driven effort to deliver a high-speed fiber-optic connection to Sibley County and portions of Renville, Nicollet, and McLeod Counties. The project will bring fiber-optic Internet, Video, and Phone services to ten cities and seventeen townships. The RS Fiber mission is: “To provide each and every customer with an exceptional service experience that you can only expect to receive from a local business, while providing you with access to the benefits of the most advanced fiber optic network in the US”.

RS Fiber Cooperative Celebrates Two Year Anniversary

June 23, 2017 By Dave Dicke •

Winthrop, MN – RS Fiber Cooperative will celebrate its second anniversary next month.

Nearly a decade’s worth of planning became reality on July 8, 2015 when the first few feet of fiber-optic cable was plowed into the ground giving birth to a state-of-the-art communications network. The RS Fiber network now consists of nearly 200 miles of backbone fiber throughout Renville and Sibley counties connecting six member communities.

The all fiber-optic, active Ethernet Gigabit network is being constructed by Hiawatha Broadband Communications, Inc. (HBC) based in Winona, MN. HBC CEO Dan Pecarina said the project’s success is due in part to the enthusiasm for the venture.

“There were a few naysayers at the beginning who said it would be impossible to build this project, but there was also large group of people who really championed the cause and believed that it could happen. The RS Fiber Cooperative Board of Directors should be very proud of what they have achieved.”

RS Fiber General Manager Toby Brummer said the final stage of Phase One construction is underway.

“This summer we will be finishing the Phase One construction. By the end of the year we will be able to offer services to the communities of Brownton, Buffalo Lake, Fairfax, and Stewart.”

Currently six towns and more than 2,500 homes and businesses have access to Gigabit services from RS Fiber. A total of 4,500 homes and businesses will have Gigabit broadband access once the remaining four communities are connected this fall.

Rural areas are receiving broadband service through RS Fiber Air which delivers high-speed broadband to more than 2,000 customers over a network of towers throughout Renville and Sibley counties.

RS Fiber has local offices in Winthrop and Gaylord.

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