Reliable trenching equipment powers Mosaic Technologies’ effort to expand broadband

Mosaic Technologies brings fiber connectivity to rural Wisconsin with the help of Ditch Witch® equipment and steadfast community investment.

TL;DR

• Mosaic Technologies is deploying rural fiber broadband across northwest Wisconsin, bringing high-speed internet to underserved communities through a 385+ mile network build.
• The $27 million fiber expansion is funded through Wisconsin broadband grants and direct private investment, reinforcing Mosaic’s long-term commitment to rural connectivity.
• Using Ditch Witch RT125 Quad trenchers and dealer support, crews maintain high production rates despite challenging terrain and extreme weather conditions.
• The fiber build improves access to education, health care, remote work and economic development for thousands of rural residents.
• By investing in workforce training and local partnerships, Mosaic Technologies is building sustainable broadband infrastructure and long-term community impact.

In the heart of northwest Wisconsin, where forests and lakes form a lush tapestry, a new era of connectivity unfolds beneath the surface. This sanctuary beckons families from across the Midwest, offering a unique, serene oasis that only the North Woods can offer. Venturing here is more than just a visit; it’s a return to the basics, where family bonds and cherished memories are forged. 

Amid this tranquil backdrop, where time flows like a gentle stream, Mosaic Technologies, a longstanding community pillar, steps forward as a modern-day pioneer. Underground, they are weaving fiber-optic threads of connection, stitching fiber lifelines into the heart of these rural communities. As these digital veins expand, it sparks a revival of possibility, seamlessly blending technology with tradition and reshaping the landscape.

This profound impact illuminates untapped potential, revitalizing education, health care and commerce. As fiber veins spread, they bring with them an awakening. The once-isolated towns, cradled in the gentle arms of nature, are being knit into the global fabric. The communities, once whispers in a vast wilderness, now find their voices amplified, heard beyond the horizon.

Amid the readiness for change, Mosaic Technologies embarked on an ambitious mission to install over 385 miles of mainline fiber to 2,573 addresses across four counties.

In spring 2024, as frost clung to pine needles, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission announced funding to reshape the digital landscape of rural Wisconsin. Mosaic Technologies stood out among the recipients, securing six broadband infrastructure grants totaling $12.6 million. 

Faced with project costs nearing $27 million, Mosaic Technologies committed the remaining funds from its own reserves, investing boldly in a future where no community remains in digital darkness. With a three-year timeline, every month and mile of fiber marked progress toward connectivity equity. 

A dedicated team of 45 skilled operators, forming teams of five to six, became as crucial as the technology driving the mission. To meet the challenge, Mosaic Technologies relied on the Ditch Witch RT125 Quad ride-on trencher. More than mere machinery, it became a reliable partner in the field. 

“To complete a project of this caliber, we knew reliable equipment wasn’t just a preference, but a necessity,” says Lynn Bender, general manager of MTECH Construction (a subsidiary of Mosaic Technologies). “That’s why we have the RT125 Quads in our arsenal.”

The robust dependability of the equipment, capable of handling diverse ground conditions, enabled Bender and his team to transform ambition into action, with success defined by consistency and performance. 

Mastering shifting terrains

The landscape’s allure is matched only by its complexity. Its captivating landscapes and natural charm are paralleled by the ever-changing and challenging ground conditions, posing significant hurdles for underground construction projects. From frozen and muddy in early spring to the solid surfaces of summer, the terrain shifts dramatically. In Wisconsin, where the weather can be unpredictable, equipment that is both adaptable and reliable is critical. 

“We had a warm spring last year, which left us with standing water everywhere,” says Bender. “The RT125 Quad helped us stay on track, allowing us to offset and keep working despite the conditions.”

This is where the steadfast performance of Ditch Witch RT125 Quad ride-on trencher becomes indispensable. Engineered for minimal disruption to the terrain, the RT125 Quad excels in the region’s diverse landscapes. Its powerful shakers surpass static plows, enabling Mosaic Technologies to achieve and exceed their target goal of installing one mile of fiber a day. 

“Recently, we surpassed our goal by completing a mile and a half in a single day,” Bender adds. “In a project where every moment counts, this efficiency is not just beneficial but essential.” 

Weaving strong partnerships

While durable equipment plays a pivotal role, the support from Ditch Witch dealers is equally vital to Mosaic Technologies’ success. “While robust equipment is key, it’s the unwavering support and collaborative partnerships from Ditch Witch of Minnesota that propels our progress,” Bender says. 

Consistent backing from Ditch Witch of Minnesota enables Mosaic Technologies to reduce downtime and maintain a lead on project timelines. The Orange Intel™ Fleet Management system provides real-time GPS tracking and daily production updates, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring transparency with government agency reporting.

The dealership also aids Mosaic Technologies in meeting deadlines by adopting proactive measures. Alerts for critical issues allow technicians to swiftly address challenges as they arise.

“Ditch Witch’s dealer support has been phenomenal,” notes Bender. “Their technicians are readily available and just a call away, helping our machines stay up and running. This level of support has been crucial in keeping us on track.” 

Beyond technical support, the dealer offers annual on-site training and comprehensive user manuals. By providing more than just the equipment, Ditch Witch of Minnesota establishes a partnership that weaves together progress and innovation, equipping Mosaic Technologies with essential resources to bridge the connectivity gap. 

Building legacy through education

Mosaic Technologies is shaping a connected future by investing in the next generation of talent. By offering internships and certification programs, they provide budding professionals with the vital skills needed to thrive in telecommunications. Collaborating with local tech colleges and leveraging support from the Power & Communication Contractors Association, Mosaic Technologies ensures their team is expertly trained and certified, establishing a regional standard of excellence. 

“Our commitment to community and workforce development underscores our dedication to the North Woods and this project,” says Bender. “We are not just constructing a network, but cultivating a legacy of connectivity and opportunity for future generations.”

Expanding regional connectivity

Mosaic Technologies is making great strides toward a connected future by 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, Mosaic Technologies has already completed half of one major project. 

Mosaic Technologies has been awarded two additional Community Connect grants, further underscoring its commitment to expanding the region’s fiber infrastructure. This marks a historical moment in what is described as the last significant “land grab” of telecommunications expansion, vital for connecting rural communities to dependable broadband.  

Illuminating rural connections

In weaving fiber through underserved areas, the company isn’t merely enhancing connectivity but cultivating a network of growth and opportunity across the region. With the support of Ditch Witch, Mosaic Technologies transforms the North Woods into a lighthouse of connectivity, ensuring it remains vibrant and ready for the future.

“We’re not just bringing fiber to the homes; we’re connecting lives,” says Bender. “What we do matters to the communities we serve.” 

This technological advancement transcends infrastructure, serving as a conduit between isolation and connection. Mosaic Technologies embodies progress, enriching communities and strengthening connections. Each mile of fiber tells a story of skilled hands and innovative tools, a collective commitment to reshaping rural Wisconsin’s future with fiber optics as its narrative. In the landscape of northwest Wisconsin, a new chapter emerges, etched in lines of fiber-optic light, woven with intent, forging a more connected future for communities, tourists, families and future generations.