Regulatory delay to broadband project
A $15 million broadband and emergency communications project in Price County has been delayed due to federal regulations prohibiting tree clearing until late fall and requiring an archeological study. The project includes building 87 miles of fiber, eight communication towers, and equipment for 10 towers, with construction now expected to begin around November 2025. Bug Tussel, the company overseeing the project, specializes in rural internet service and is also working on separate tower contracts with AT&T in Park Falls and Fifield. The initiative, introduced in October 2023, aims to improve internet access and reduce emergency communications costs by eliminating rental fees and supporting infrastructure development. Although progress has slowed, the project is expected to be underway through late 2025 and into 2026. Price County’s emergency radio contractor will install necessary equipment once the new towers are completed.
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