May 2025 Vol. 80 No. 5
Features
Fiber optics and forests: Mosaic Technologies weaves fiber beneath Wisconsin’s Northwoods
(UI) — In the heart of Northwest Wisconsin, where the virgin woods cradle a string of sleepy tourist towns, a quiet transformation is underway. This region, known for its natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle, is a sanctuary for families from southern Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota, who retreat to cabins by serene lakes.
Here, the stars paint the night sky, while the haunting calls of the loon echo across the water, replacing the noise of traffic. It’s a place where time-honored traditions draw people back year after year, seeking solace in the Northwood’s embrace.
Yet, amid this tranquility, the buzz of anticipation hums like a current, signaling a network of change racing against the clock to reshape the underground landscape.
Mosaic Technologies is weaving a new thread into the fabric of these rural communities – fiber broadband. This initiative promises to enhance economic vitality, strengthen remote work and education opportunities, and provide telehealth services in Northwest Wisconsin. As tourism, business, government and economic development converge, the region stands on the brink of a new era, where rural and remote go hand-in-hand.
Race against the clock
To ensure that the Northwoods' timeless charm remains while embracing the future, Mosaic Technologies has embarked on an ambitious mission to implement over 385 constructed mainline fiber miles to 2,573 addresses across four Northwest Wisconsin counties.
In the spring of 2024, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) announced the Capital Projects for Broadband Infrastructure awards, highlighting Mosaic Technologies as a recipient of six grants totaling about $12 million. This funding will supplement the total project cost of $26,797,456, with the remainder self-funded by Mosaic Technologies, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to bridging the digital divide.
Faced with a three-year timeline to complete this project, Mosaic Technologies needed equipment that was both reliable and efficient. The stakes were high, and timing was of the essence. With a team of 45 operators divided into crews of five to six, dependable machinery was essential.
Mosaic Technologies found this reliability in Ditch Witch’s RT125 Quad ride-on trencher. A piece of equipment that has become an indispensable ally in a project where every day counts.
“To complete a project of this caliber, we knew reliable equipment wasn’t just a preference, but a necessity,” said Lynn Bender, general manager of MTECH Construction (a subsidiary of Mosaic Technologies). “That’s why we have the RT125 Quads in our arsenal. Its dependability and ability to tackle any ground condition have kept us on track, even when the weather and terrain were against us.”
Inconsistent ground conditions
The journey to connect the Northwoods is not without its challenges. The region's beauty is matched only by its inconsistent ground conditions, posing significant hurdles for infrastructure projects. The terrain can shift dramatically, from frozen, wet and muddy patches in early spring, to the hardened surfaces of summer, especially around the area’s numerous lakes and rocky ridges.
Just as the area's natural splendor is diverse, so too are the obstacles it presents. And in Wisconsin, where weather can turn on a dime, having equipment that can adapt and perform is crucial.
"We had a warm spring last year,” remarked Bender, “which left us with standing water everywhere."
This is where the steadfast performance of the ride-on trencher becomes indispensable. The design allows for minimal ground disturbance, making it ideal for the varied landscapes of the Northwoods. The trencher’s robust shakers outperform static plows, enabling Mosaic Technologies to meet and exceed its goal of laying one mile of fiber a day.
“Recently, we surpassed our goal by completing a mile-and-a-half in a single day,” Bender added. “In a project where every moment counts, this efficiency is not just beneficial but essential.”
But it’s not just the equipment that has made a difference. “While robust equipment is key,” said Bender, “it’s the unwavering support from Ditch Witch of Minnesota that helps to fuel our progress.”
With the consistent support of its dealer, Mosaic Technologies has successfully reduced downtime, allowing the company to consistently stay ahead of schedule. Utilizing Ditch Witch’s Orange Intel Fleet Management system, Mosaic Technologies gains access to real-time GPS tracking and daily production updates, which helps to streamline operations and boost efficiency. This technology also simplifies reporting to government agencies, ensuring compliance and project transparency.
Additionally, the dealership aids Mosaic Technologies stay on track with the project’s timeline. By implementing proactive measures, such as sending alerts for major issues, technicians can quickly and easily address problems as they arise.
"Dealer support has been phenomenal,” noted Bender.
The dealership also offers Mosaic Technologies annual on-site training sessions and detailed user manuals. This collaboration equipped Mosaic Technologies with the necessary resources and support to help connect the unconnected.
Empowering the next generation
As Mosaic Technologies lays the foundation for a connected future, it is simultaneously investing in the next generation of workers. Through internships and certification programs, it equips young professionals with the essential skills to excel in the telecommunications industry. By partnering with local technological colleges and association support from Power & Communication Contractors Association, Mosaic Technologies ensures its workforce is both well-prepared and certified, setting a benchmark for excellence in the region.
“Our commitment to community and workforce development underscores our dedication to the Northwoods and this project,” said Bender. “We are not just constructing a network but cultivating a legacy of connectivity and opportunity for future generations.”
As Mosaic Technologies progresses toward its vision of a connected future, it has achieved notable milestones in enhancing regional connectivity. The company has successfully closed out two of the six grants and is working to complete the remaining four this year, totaling over 480 miles. These initiatives span various areas, navigating road bands, permits and township regulations, with half of one project already completed.
Looking ahead, Mosaic Technologies has been awarded two additional Community Connect grants, further underscoring its commitment to expanding connectivity. This marks a historical milestone as the company participates in what could be described as the last significant "land grab" – a final nationwide expansion of telecommunications infrastructure. This makes connecting rural communities to reliable, broadband cable more crucial than ever.
A quest to connect
Mosaic Technologies' dedication to the Northwoods region is evident not only in its infrastructure projects but also in its broader mission and passion for community development. By extending fiber to underserved areas, the company is enhancing connectivity and, also, fostering growth and opportunity throughout the region. Mosaic Technologies is transforming Northwoods into a beacon of connectivity, ensuring it remains vibrant and poised for future success.
"We're not just bringing fiber to the homes, we're connecting lives,” said Bender. “What we do matters to the communities we serve.”
As fiber threads through the rustic tapestry of the Northwoods, Henry David Thoreau's insight, "Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads," resonates deeply. This technological leap is more than just infrastructure – it's a lifeline that bridges the gap between remote locations and connection. It stands as a testament to teams like Mosaic Technologies, that weave progress into their communities, enriching lives and strengthening ties.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mosaic Technologies, (800) 924-3405, experiencemosaic.com
Power & Communication Contractors Association, (800) 542-PCCA, pccaweb.org
Ditch Witch, (800) 654-6481, ditchwitch.com
Ditch Witch of Minnesota & Iowa, (952) 445-3066, ditchwitchmnia.com
Comments