Three different projects that will bring fiber optic cables into Duluth have been announced. Federal money was awarded to Enventis to build 428 miles of fiber optic cable in Greater Minnesota. That includes a line from Duluth to St. Paul. The Merit Network in Michigan will construct a 1200 mile fiber optic network in Upper Michigan with connections to Green Bay and Duluth. The Northeast Service Cooperative received a federal loan and grant for a fiber project that would serve Duluth and the Iron Range. Construction on that line begins next spring. Duluth Mayor Don Ness says these fiber investments will enhance the region's efforts to attract new economic development and jobs. They could also help entice Google to locate its proposed high speed fiber network in Duluth.
