Bringing Broadband Internet to Bemidji
By Brandon Chapman
SMB Sales Manager
The internet is our window to the world. Whether we live and work in a city, small town or out in the country, reliable connectivity is important. If we’re able to get online, our geographic location becomes less of a factor when it comes to achieving our goals. I know this firsthand, living and working in Bemidji, MN, which is closer to Canada than it is to the Twin Cities.
Nestled in the woods, surrounded by lakes, the "birthplace of Paul Bunyan" has drawn anglers and outdoorspeople for generations, but it hasn’t always been the easiest place to do business. Until recently, business internet connections were spotty, sluggish and unreliable, making it difficult to participate in e-commerce.
That all changed in 2010 when Midco connected its fiber network to Bemidji. It was part of a company initiative to build broadband infrastructure into small and rural communities throughout our footprint. It’s a project that’s already made it possible for all kinds of contemporary businesspeople to live where they want – including Compass Rose owners Hannah Anderson and Jordan Peura.
Business-Class Internet at Work and Home
“It’s nice to have the city life and all of the amenities of that, but it’s also nice to kind of disconnect and relax,” Anderson said.
When deciding where to open their business, staying in Bemidji wasn’t a given for the couple. Although they both loved the city, they knew they would need reliable connectivity to make it work – both at the store and at home. They researched their internet options and discovered that with Midco direct fiber, they could get the same level of business internet available in major metro areas right at home.
“Everything we use at the store is based on internet,” explained Peura. “Our iPad, our POS system, our inventory. Even our security cameras – we can watch on Wi-Fi and see what’s going on. Everything we do is based on internet.”
“Using Midco internet has been helpful in our home and also in the store,” added Anderson. “In the morning before I go to work, I’m able to use my laptop or the iPad to check on orders or to update our website. Then I just fold it up, put it in my backpack and go to the store, and start all over again and use the internet there. It’s been completely seamless for us, and you don’t even notice it, which is the good thing. It’s just there.”
Reliable Broadband Supports Local Growth
Anderson and Peura’s experience is what Midco’s broadband investment is all about – making it possible for people in small and rural communities to take connectivity for granted, when a short time ago, it was a luxury. After all, more companies flourishing in towns like Bemidji mean better local economies, and that has a positive impact on all of us. Because customers like Compass Rose know they can trust Midco to keep them connected, they’re free to focus and grow their businesses.
If you’d like to discuss better connectivity options for your operation, we’re here to help.
Reliable High-Speed Internet
With Midco, you get more than a high-speed internet connection. We also provide around-the-clock support and service level commitments. You can count on Midco to be responsive to your needs.
Brandon Chapman is the SMB Sales Manager for eastern North Dakota and Minnesota. He leads and develops business consultants in that territory. Chapman brings management and sales experience to Midco from the communications and manufacturing industries. He attended Minnesota State University Moorhead and studied business marketing.
Brandon Chapman is the SMB Sales Manager for eastern North Dakota and Minnesota. He leads and develops business consultants in that territory. Chapman brings management and sales experience to Midco from the communications and manufacturing industries. He attended Minnesota State University Moorhead and studied business marketing.