IRON MOUNTAIN — Founded in 2007 as Packerland Broadband, Astrea continues to grow.

A division of CCI Systems Inc. in Iron Mountain, the company now serves more than 60 communities throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula, offering internet, TV and phone connections.

Astrea also has store locations in Oconto Falls and Crivitz, Wis., as well as Sault Ste. Marie.

Packerland was rebranded under the name Astrea in August 2019. Astrea is Greek for “star” and the goddess of truth and justice. Astrea builds and maintains broadband Internet infrastructure exclusively for small-town families and businesses.

“At Astrea, we believe that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice connectivity based on where you live, and we are committed to keeping our small-town communities connected to the things and people they love,” said Corey Heigl, vice president and general manager. “We do this by being reliable, being responsive and making life better.”

In December, Astrea assumed ownership of the Clark/Pickford Township cable and broadband franchise in the eastern Upper Peninsula, formerly held by Sunrise Communications. Astrea first expanded into the eastern Upper Peninsula in 2018, after acquiring Lighthouse.net. With that acquisition, they became the service provider for the Curtis, Engadine and Naubinway communities and began servicing the residents and businesses of Mackinac Island.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Astrea launched a connection assistance program, offering 60 days of free high-speed cable internet broadband access for new K-12 and college student income-eligible households.

In May, Astrea announced continued COVID-19 assistance by deploying free community Wi-Fi hot spot locations in several Wisconsin communities, including Goodman and Laona.

“These drive up locations offer an opportunity to connect to the internet while maintaining safe social distancing by accessing the points from your vehicle,” Heigl noted.

The Goodman location is near the high school football field (parking along the road), while the Laona spot is the parking lot for the town hall at 5146 Linden St.