HBC expands through Red Wing

This summer Winona-based Hiawatha Broadband Communications announced it would extend a fiber-optic network through Red Wing. And in August the company said it will build that network into residential areas over the next three years.

The network will offer Internet, phone and television services to businesses and residents, HBC officials said.

City officials -- who had longed to see a citywide fiber-optic network -- said the development would boost Red Wing's appeal to businesses that may want to relocate here.

"It's a home run for the city of Red Wing," City Council President Mike Schultz said at the time. City officials also said increased competition in the broadband market will benefit residents.

HBC announced the network expansion at City Hall.

City officials' high-praise of HBC perturbed Charter Communications, an incumbent provider. A spokesperson for Charter at the time said he was annoyed city officials had given HBC as much praise as they did, while ignoring the investments Charter had made in Red Wing.

Earlier in 2010, the city supported HBC efforts to garner federal stimulus dollars for a local fiber-optic network. The company's bids were unsuccessful.

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