The Northeast Fiber Network is a fiber optic network that spans across eight counties in northeastern Minnesota including St. Louis, Lake, Cook, Koochiching, Carlton, Pine, Itasca, and Aitkin. It was designed by the Northeast Service Cooperative to provide broadband to underserved and unserved areas.

• It is a $45.3 million federally funded project
• 50% grant/50% loan through the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service.
• Approximately 332 critical service sites connected.
• Anchors are connected at a minimum of Gigabit (1000Mbps) connectivity and up to 10Gpbs.
• The network provides 2.8 Terabit current core switching capacity using DWDM technology
• Long term carrier level public/private partnerships have been established.
• Extends 865 miles across the region

This network has changed the landscape of the region providing our members with access to high-speed internet. It increased connection speeds by 10 to 100 times. School districts connected to the network were able to implement wireless devices in the schools and are able to participate in telepresence opportunities through Education Innovation Partners. Health care entities are providing telemedicine to patients and are able to transfer files over a secure network. State parks provide connectivity to those camping enabling visitors to stay connected for important business matters while enjoying the beauty of the region. The network enables private entities access through agreements to the network to extend to businesses and other entities.