News & Events
Five Networks from Discovery Added to Paul Bunyan Televsion
Five additional networks from Discovery have been added to Paul Bunyan Television's service.
The channels now available through PBTV include The Science Channel, Investigation Discovery, Planet Green, the Military Channel, and Hub. Paul Bunyan Television already provides several Discovery networks including the Discovery Channel, Discovery Health, TLC, Animal Planet, Fit TV, and HD Theater.
The Science Channel and Investigation Discovery are available to all PBTV digital service subscribers. Planet Green, Military Channel, and Hub are a part of PBTV Extra, a package of over 30 channels that can be added to Paul Bunyan Television service for $9.99 a month.
"Discovery Networks have strong brands that are familiar nationwide," said Brian Bissonette, Paul Bunyan Telephone Marketing Supervisor, "We know many PBTV subscribers will be pleased to have access to these five channels!"
Science Channel, PBTV channel 278, immerses viewers in the incredible possibilities of science, from string theory and futuristic cities to accidental discoveries and outrageous inventions.
Investigation Discovery (ID), PBTV channel 191, provides in-depth documentaries and series that challenge viewers on the key issues shaping our culture and defining our world. ID delivers insight into the real-life world of investigation, exploration of true stories that piece together dramatic puzzles of human nature
The Military Channel, PBTV channel 187, presents the real-world stories of human drama, heroism, aviation and technological innovation intrinsic to the armed forces. From profiling innovations on the frontlines to capturing the emotional homecomings on the home front, Military Channel explores the struggles and triumphs that shape the full experience within the armed services.
Planet Green, PBTV channel 250, is the network of people taking risks to discover something new. We are the media brand that champions mavericks, misfits and innovators who are transforming the rules and the way we view the world to ultimately inspire, educate and activate.
Hub, PBTV channel 206, is a Discovery Communications and Hasbro joint venture, The Hub is a playful, transformative world that brings kids and their families together, powered by clever stories and engaging characters. A new network for kids and families, with original animation, live-action, game shows and specials, The Hub's programming will entertain, enlighten, empower and educate.
Discovery Communications is the world's number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 180 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through their worldwide networks, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services.
Paul Bunyan Communications has been offering the latest in communication services to Northern Minnesota since 1952. Paul Bunyan Communications is a cooperative providing services that include local and long distance phone service, Internet services through Paul Bunyan Net, television service through Paul Bunyan Television, and more.
17th Annual NMBA Builder's Show is March 2-4 in Grand Rapids
The Northern Minnesota Builder's Association will hold the 2012 Home Show March 4-6 at the IRA Civic Center in Grand Rapids.
Be sure to stop by the Paul Bunyan Communications exhibit at the show. Pick up a free gift while supplies last and check out services like our Broadband Internet and PBTV HD, DVR, and On Demand.
Show Hours
- Friday, March 4: 4 - 9 p.m.
- Saturday, March 6: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Sunday, March 7: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
This event is sponsored in part by Paul Bunyan Communications and includes booths featuring a wide variety of products & services, a silent auction, and a chance to win over lots of prizes!
Headwaters Builder Association Builder's Show is March 10-11 in Bemidji
Join Paul Bunyan Communications at the Headwaters Builders Association's Headwaters Builders Show March 10-11 at the Sanford Center in Bemidji!
Show Hours
- Saturday, March 10: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Sunday, March 11: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Admission is free but you are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the food shelf.
Visit the Paul Bunyan Communications booth to get service and pricing information and a free gift while supplies last. The Headwater's Builders Association's Builders Show is sponsored in part by Paul Bunyan Communications.
High School Juniors: Enter the Paul Bunyan Communications Youth Tour Essay Contest for a Chance to Win a Trip to Washington D.C. Deadline is Friday, March 30
Area High School Juniors are encouraged to enter the Paul Bunyan Communications Essay Contest for a chance to attend the 2011 Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. June 2-6, with all expenses paid by Paul Bunyan Communications.
Students interested in attending the Youth Tour need to submit a short essay, no more than 500 words in length, on why they would like to attend the Youth Tour. Students must be a junior in high school with their parent/guardian a member of Paul Bunyan Communications Cooperative.
Entries can be dropped off at either Paul Bunyan Communications office or they can mailed to:
Paul Bunyan Communications Essay Contest
1831 Anne St. NW
Bemidji, MN 56601
The deadline for entries is Friday, March 30.
The trip features a comprehensive overview of the telecommunications industry, including careers in telecom, the critical role telecommunications plays in rural America, and how legislative and regulatory decisions affect the industry. The tour allows youth to meet with members of Congress who represent rural constituents. They also participate in educational sessions about the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Students visit some of the nation's most historic sites, including the war memorials, the Smithsonian Museums, and a beautiful night tour of our Washington D.C.
"We hope that by providing our youth with telecommunications services comparable to those found in urban areas, as well as exposing them to cultural and educational opportunities, such as the FRS Youth Tour, our youth will remain in and become active members in their rural communities," said Brian Bissonette, Paul Bunyan Communications Marketing Supervisor.
The Foundation for Rural Service is dedicated to informing and to improving the quality of life throughout rural America. Each year, it organizes the Youth Tour, designed to educate rural youth about the telecommunications industry and the federal political process. The FRS is a subsidiary of the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA), of which Paul Bunyan Communications is a member.
This is the 16th consecutive year that Paul Bunyan Communications has participated in sending a local high school junior to the Youth Tour.
PBTV Lite Now Available
Paul Bunyan Communications has introduced PBTV Lite, a less expensive PBTV service option that eliminates the higher cost networks but still provides an interactive program guide, access to PBTV On Demand, and the Galaxie music channels.
"We are very proud to offer consumers a less expensive TV option. We have incurred dramatic rate increases on the most highly rated networks. This package eliminates the higher cost networks but still includes over 100 channels including the major broadcast networks, cable networks, and Galaxie music channels. PBTV Lite also provides access to PBTV On Demand and the interactive program guide. It does, however, remove the higher cost networks which are also the most highly viewed. This would include all cable sports networks, news networks, along with some entertainment networks. " said Brian Bissonette, Paul Bunyan Communications Marketing Supervisor.
"It's hard to say what is more important to any given customer which is why we've created PBTV Lite. Some consumers will not want to go without access to the highly rated networks, but for those who don't mind then they will be able to reduce their monthly cost for television service," added Keith Hunt, Paul Bunyan Television Supervisor.
The cost of PBTV Lite is $20 less per month than that of main PBTV service. Customers are still able to combine PBTV Lite with local phone and Broadband Internet service to save even more. PBTV Lite customers can add PBTV Sports to get more sports channels but PBTV Lite subscribers are not able to add PBTV HD or PBTV Extra due to existing programming contract restrictions.
2012 Scholarship Opportunities from Paul Bunyan Communications
Paul Bunyan Communications is committed to the communities we serve and provides over $30,000 annually in scholarships to local students within our service territory. We also offer local students the chance to apply for one statewide industry scholarship and one national industry scholarship. If you are a current high school senior or a student at one of the local post-secondary institutions, you can apply to win a Paul Bunyan Communications Scholarship!
High School Scholarships
Each year, our cooperative provides at least 2, $500 scholarships to 11 area high schools within or near our service territory. The application process, winners, and distribution of funds are handled by each high school independent of Paul Bunyan Communications.
Paul Bunyan Communications Scholarships are available at Bemidji High School, Bigfork High School, Blackduck High School, Cass Lake High School, Deer River High School, Grand Rapids High School, Kelliher High School, Laporte High School, Northome High School, Red Lake High School, and Walker-Hackensack-Akeley High School
To apply for the Paul Bunyan Communications Scholarship at one of these high schools, please speak to the high school counselor or career service office.
Post-Secondary Scholarships
In addition to High School Scholarships, Paul Bunyan Communications provides scholarship opportunities to the following post secondary institutions: Bemidji State University, Northwest Technical College, Itasca Community College, Red Lake Nation College, and Oak Hills Christian College.
Bemidji State University
There are four $2,850 scholarships available annually to students that are current members of Paul Bunyan Communications or a parent/legal guardian is a member. The Deadline for applications was February 1, 2012.
Northwest Technical College
One $500 scholarship is awarded annually to a student that is a current member or who has a parent/legal guardian that is a member of Paul Bunyan Communications. Applications are available in the NTC Admissions office or at www.NTCmn.edu under scholarships. Deadline for applications is March 31, 2012.
Itasca Community College, Red Lake Nation College, and Oak Hills Christian
CollegeOne $500 scholarship is awarded annually at each of these post-secondary institutions to a student that is a current member or who has a parent/legal guardian that is a member of Paul Bunyan Communications.
To apply for the Paul Bunyan Communications Scholarship at one of these post-secondary institutions, speak to the Admissions or Career Service office at the school you attend.
Minnesota Telecom Alliance Foundation Scholarship
Paul Bunyan Communications participates in the MTA's scholarship program which awards five $2,000 scholarships to Minnesota high school seniors each year.
The application for 2012 can be downloaded from the MTA website.
A telecom alliance panel reviews each application and selects the finalists based on applicants' grades, academic achievements and extra-curricular activities. Preference to receive the scholarships is given to students who have an interest in telecommunications technology and rural communities.
The Foundation is part of the Minnesota Telecom Alliance, a trade organization representing 86 telephone companies and cooperatives in the state.
Foundation for Rural Service Scholarship
Paul Bunyan Communications participates in the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) scholarship program which awards 30 $2,500 scholarships to high school seniors throughout the country each year.
Applications can also be downloaded from the FRS website. Completed applications should be sent directly to FRS, postmarked no later than March 1, 2012. Applications postmarked to FRS after this date will NOT be accepted.
The FRS was established in 1994 and, through its partnership with the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA), promotes, educates and advocates to the public, rural telecommunications issues in order to sustain and enhance the quality of life within communities throughout rural America. In keeping with its mission, furthering the education of rural youth is one of the foundation's primary focuses. Our cooperative, Paul Bunyan Communications, is a member of NTCA and is proud to support FRS in this worthy endeavor.
