Nuvera Reaches Major Milestone: 50,000 Homes and Businesses Now Connected to Fiber Internet

Nuvera has reached an exciting new milestone — 50,000 fiber passings across its service territory. That means 50,000 homes and businesses now have access to Nuvera’s powerful, future-ready fiber network. This achievement represents major progress in the company’s multi-year commitment to building out state-of-the-art broadband infrastructure across Minnesota and Iowa communities.

Investing in the Future of Connectivity

Nuvera launched its Gig Cities project in 2021, pledging to invest more than $200 million to bring fiber-to-the-home internet service to the communities it serves. Fiber internet is widely recognized as the gold standard for speed and reliability — and Nuvera’s investment reflects a long-term vision for connecting people, powering businesses, and strengthening local economies.

So far, the company has completed over 75% of its initial project construction, and more than 65% of its residential and business customers are now connected to the fiber network. Each new fiber connection is another step toward ensuring that small towns and growing cities alike can compete and thrive in a digital-first world.

Powering the AI Revolution

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, learn, and live. From automation and data analytics to smart home systems and remote collaboration tools, AI technologies depend on fast, stable internet connections. Fiber networks — unlike wireless solutions — are uniquely equipped to handle these demands.

With its fiber infrastructure, Nuvera is preparing its customers for the opportunities that come with AI-driven innovation. High-capacity, low-latency connections allow residents and businesses to fully embrace the tools shaping the future — whether it’s streaming immersive virtual classrooms, running cloud-based analytics for small businesses, or connecting healthcare providers with patients through telemedicine.

Building Stronger Communities

High-speed fiber is more than just faster internet — it’s an essential tool for education, healthcare, remote work, and business growth. Nuvera’s investment ensures that the communities it serves remain vibrant and competitive well into the future.

The company’s ambitious infrastructure project has already connected thousands of homes and businesses across dozens of neighborhoods, with initial buildouts focused on legacy communities New Ulm, Prior Lake, Hutchinson, Glencoe, Goodhue, Litchfield, Redwood Falls, Elko New Market, Savage, Sleepy Eye, Springfield, and Aurelia, Iowa.

Access to reliable, high-speed fiber internet strengthens local infrastructure, supports innovation, and helps ensure that communities remain attractive places to live, work, and grow.

Continuing Expansion

Nuvera’s commitment to expanding fiber access doesn’t stop there. Through strategic extension projects, the company has recently brought fiber to Howard Lake, Waverly, Dassel, Cokato, Belle Plaine, Shakopee, Arlington, Hector, Olivia, and additional areas of Savage. These expansion efforts – supported by substantial federal, state and local grants – demonstrate Nuvera’s dedication to bridging the digital divide and bringing advanced broadband infrastructure to underserved markets.

Why Fiber Matters More Than Ever

In today’s digital economy, fiber internet represents the most advanced solution for high-speed connectivity. Unlike 5G, fiber offers symmetrical upload and download speeds, exceptional reliability, and the capacity to support future technologies — from smart cities and connected homes to next-generation AI applications.

As more aspects of daily life depend on strong internet connections, Nuvera’s growing fiber network is not just keeping pace with technology — it’s leading the way. With 50,000 fiber passings and counting, Nuvera is helping ensure that the communities it serves are fully equipped for the digital future.