The SMBS broadband project is a joint powers agreement between eight communities in southwestern Minnesota to build an open access fiber network. They have been awarded a $12.8 million loan/grant and have built 58 miles of their transport ring so far, passing over 1,700 homes and businesses. They currently have 300 customers but expect 1,100 by May. Three member communities have municipal electric utilities and two provide cable TV, demonstrating potential future coordination between the broadband and utility networks.