As in much of rural America, communities in Greater Minnesota struggle with connectivity. Some areas have no choice at all, forced to rely on dial-up or slow DSL. Others have an incumbent cable provider. A few local community leaders in Minnesota, conscious of the need for broadband to save public dollars, encourage economic development, and get their citizens online, found ways to deploy next generation networks. Today, they reap the rewards.
Minnesota Local Governments Advance Super Fast Internet Networks examines five rural communities that have deployed fiber networks. We examined such issues as smart strategies, financing, and partnerships. Each community took a different path but all finished with a valuable public asset. All are now prepared for the future.
In our report we share the stories of networks in Lac qui Parle County, Scott County, Windom, Sibley County, and Monticello. When large incumbents declined to provide affordable, fast, and reliable connectivity, each of these communities took control of their own situation. The challenge was daunting, but each community brought their vision to life and now save millions in public dollars. Their schools are able to offer a 21st century education. Employers bring well-paying jobs to once dwindling rural regions.
Learn how Greater Minnesota communities are bringing better connectivity to residents, businesses, and government. This report provides a continuum of approaches. Download Minnesota Local Governments Advance Super Fast Internet Networks.
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance presents this report co-authored by Christopher Mitchell and Lisa Gonzalez.
Read ongoing stories about these networks at ILSR’s site devoted to Community Broadband Networks. You can also subscribe to a once-per-week email with stories about community broadband networks.
About ILSR: Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) proposes a set of new rules that builds community by supporting humanly scaled politics and economics. The Telecommunications as Commons Initiative believes that telecommunications networks are essential infrastructure and should be accountable to residents and local businesses. www.ilsr.org
