In 2005, MN Telecom, dba of parent “NESC”, was formed within the State of MN as a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) and entered into interconnection agreements with CenturyLink as a reseller. This allowed for voice services and acquisition of last mile circuits from the incumbent that lead to considerable cost savings. Much of these savings were translated into providing additional broadband to the schools and public libraries through the eight county service area.