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Minnesota remains a state of broadband haves and have-nots, with 52.88 percent i of rural communities having access at the level of the state’s minimum standard, compared to 70.04 percent of statewide households meeting the state’s broadband goals. ii Because Blandin Foundation cares deeply about the vitality of rural communities, we care about these gaps.
Recognizing that both local leaders and policymakers need sound information so that communities, border to border, are positioned for healthy, vibrant broadband-enabled futures, Blandin Foundation, in collaboration with lead researcher Bill Coleman of Community Technology Advisors, offers this case study. It focuses on two rural Minnesota exchanges where major federal investment has been made through the Connect America Fund (CAF II). The intent is that these two examples better illuminate how resources are—and sometimes are not—being woven together in support of rural communities. The report also suggests ways that the tapestry of broadband resources available to rural communities may be improved.
For more than 75 years, Blandin Foundation has worked to strengthen rural Minnesota communities through its grantmaking, community leadership training and community engagement. In 2003, the Foundation formalized its belief that robust access to, and use of, high-speed Internet was key to community strength through the Blandin Broadband Initiative. Since then, Blandin Foundation staff and partners have stood with more than 70 communities as they design and claim their broadband-enabled futures.
Lead researcher Bill Coleman, president of Minnesota-based Community Technology Advisors, has assisted clients in developing and implementing programs of broadband infrastructure investment and technology promotion and training for nearly two decades. He helps communities make the connection between telecommunications and economic development.