Southern Minnesota Internet Group (SMIG) will be breaking ties with Hormel Institute by September.

A partnership between Hormel Institute and SMIG was created in 1995, when SMIG was born to bring Internet service to Austin residents. Hormel Institute’s involvement in the project was created to fulfill the institute’s mission to conduct technological research and bring technology to rural communities.

“That function of SMIG has been fulfilled, so to speak,” said Craig Jones, Hormel Institute manager of research support services and current SMIG general manager. “Things have changed a lot. We’re just now transitioning to the next phase, which is that SMIG will be moving out of the institute.”

The fate of SMIG is largely undecided at this point, though Jones said its services will continue without interruption.

“There are a lot of possibilities,” Jones said. “It may stay the same as it is, or it could be purchased by somebody else.”

Regardless of what happens to SMIG, Jones said customers aren’t expected to notice any ripple effects. The quality of service will continue on as it has in the past.

The Hormel Institute will help with the transition of SMIG, which is expected to be complete by September.