Bug Tussel Activates 20 Miles of Backbone Fiber in Western Marathon County
MOSINEE, Wis. (August 21, 2025) – Over 20 miles of phase one backbone fiber infrastructure in western Marathon County are now live, bringing high-speed internet connectivity within reach of nearly 250 previously underserved homes, businesses, and institutions.
The newly activated backbone fiber travels strategic routes along County Road A, State Trunk Highway 13, and State Trunk Highway 29, extending Bug Tussel’s network to serve residents in the towns of Abbotsford and Dorchester. This western expansion represents another significant milestone in Bug Tussel’s comprehensive Marathon County broadband deployment.
“Bringing backbone infrastructure to western Marathon County opens new possibilities for hundreds of rural residents and businesses who have long been underserved by traditional internet providers,” said Scott Feldt, Executive Director of Public Affairs at Bug Tussel. “This backbone deployment creates the foundation for future fiber-to-the-home connections while our partnership with Marathon County continues to expand access across the entire region.”
This western backbone activation is part of Bug Tussel’s larger first-phase Marathon County partnership, which has now brought over 120 miles of backbone and last-mile fiber to more than 1,200 Marathon County locations. Construction continues on additional backbone routes, with Bug Tussel anticipating the completed first-phase network will reach approximately 1,500 total locations across multiple townships and villages.
The backbone infrastructure enables Bug Tussel to provide reliable high-speed internet service that transforms daily life for rural residents, supporting work-from-home capabilities, seamless streaming, robust business operations, and improved access to telehealth and educational resources. Bug Tussel has also deployed county-wide fixed wireless service across 16 towers to provide internet access during ongoing construction phases. Service is available immediately to locations along the new backbone routes. Residents can sign up by calling 1-877-227-0924 or visiting btussel.com.
About Bug Tussel
Founded in 2003, Bug Tussel has established itself as a leader in rural broadband development across Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest. The company’s network now spans over 1,300 fiber miles and nearly 400 wireless sites, providing over 300,000 homes and businesses with access to high-speed internet service. Since 2018, Bug Tussel has partnered with 24 Wisconsin counties, completing 23 building projects that have deployed over 1,300 fiber miles and 100 wireless sites, connecting over 90,000 previously underserved homes and businesses to broadband service. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Bug Tussel envisions a future where everyone, regardless of geographic or economic situation, can connect to world-class high-speed internet. Learn more at btussel.com.
