GOWRIE, Iowa — July 10, 2026 — With letters mailed to local residents, Evergreen Internet announced that construction will begin late this summer on a new fiber optic communications network serving North and South Twin Lakes. The project will bring future-ready broadband infrastructure to the area, with service installation expected to begin in spring 2027.

 

Evergreen Internet is a newly formed partnership between Lehigh Valley Cooperative Telephone Association, based in Lehigh, Iowa, and Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, based in Gowrie, Iowa. Together, the neighboring Webster County providers bring decades of experience delivering reliable internet, Wi-Fi, TV, and telephone services to local communities. The partnership was formed to serve Twin Lakes residents with a durable, locally supported network built by providers committed to long-term service and maintenance.

 

Construction of the fiber network will be completed by Central Cable Contractors of Waupun, Wisconsin, a longtime contractor for both Lehigh Valley and Webster-Calhoun on past fiber projects. Engineering support is being provided by Vantage Point Solutions of Mitchell, South Dakota.

 

“This project presents unique challenges because of the densely developed shoreline,” notes Jim Suchan, CEO of Lehigh Valley Cooperative Telephone. “Both Lehigh Valley and Webster-Calhoun have worked with these companies with tremendous success.”

 

As part of the process, property owners are being asked to provide authorization for crews to plow or bore fiber to their home or business. There is no cost for this work during the initial construction phase and authorization does not require residents to purchase service. Evergreen Internet encourages property owners to sign up for the fiber drop and a site survey will allow a personal conversation about where and how the underground fiber will connect.

 

Additional information about available services, including telephone, internet access, Wi-Fi, and TV, will be shared as construction progresses. While work is expected to begin in September, Evergreen Internet noted that final network and service details are still being reviewed. Once available, information will be shared with property owners and prospective customers.

 

"This ties in nicely with our existing fiber network providing service in the communities of Manson and Rockwell City. We're excited to work with Lehigh Valley to make this happen," added Marcie Boerner, CEO, of Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association. “Together we look forward to bringing the same quality and reliable service we already provide to 25 small rural communities to the Twin Lakes area.”