Bug Tussel Fiber Goes Live in Rhinelander, Bringing High-Speed Internet Expansion to Nearly 500 Locations
RHINELANDER, Wis. (July 1, 2025) – Nearly 30 miles of new fiber in the Rhinelander area went live on June 24, marking a significant milestone in Bug Tussel’s partnership with Oneida County to expand high-speed internet access across the region. The newly activated fiber route passes more than 470 homes and businesses, providing residents and organizations with the
opportunity to connect to high-speed internet service with speeds of up to 2 Gbps.
The route travels along portions of County Highway 47 from the Wildwood Lake area, through Rhinelander along West Davenport Street, and east along County Highway 47 towards Monico, passing the iconic Hodag statue along the way. The strategic route passes approximately half a dozen county buildings and organizations, creating opportunities to establish network redundancy for Oneida County emergency services and critical infrastructure.
“This fiber activation represents more than just improved internet speeds – it’s about connecting communities and strengthening the digital infrastructure that modern families and businesses depend on,” said Scott Feldt, Executive Director of Public Affairs at Bug Tussel. “We’re proud to deliver this critical connectivity to the Rhinelander area and look forward to continuing our work with Oneida County to bridge the digital divide across the region.”
This fiber deployment marks the first fiber to go live from Bug Tussel’s comprehensive broadband expansion initiative with Oneida County. Launched in 2022, the ambitious project aims to deploy over 200 miles of fiber and more than a dozen wireless towers throughout Oneida County communities that have historically lacked access to high-speed internet service.
The broader initiative has already made substantial progress, with fixed wireless installation nearly complete. Bug Tussel has deployed broadband service across approximately 30 fixed wireless sites, passing 27,500 homes and businesses with potential service. Additional fiber routes are expected to reach nearly 1,000 more homes and businesses as the project continues.
Oneida County residents interested in signing up for service can contact Bug Tussel at 1-877- 227-0924 or visit 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.
