Meeker County

Table of goal data by year

Year	25/3 Mbps	100/20 Mbps
2019	#73 of 87 71.72%	#74 of 87 45.08%
2018	#63 of 87 71.45%	#57 of 87 45.08%
2017	#12 of 87 98.58%	#57 of 87 38.13%

County Profile Coverage Map

Rank: 74 (out of 87) for broadband speeds of 100/20 megabits per second (Mbps)

Meeker County is not poised to meet the state broadband speed goals for either 2022 or 2026. They recognize the need for improvement, now they need to move forward working with broadband providers.

Meeker County has benefited from one state broadband grant:

• 2015 – MVTV Wireless Middle Mile
  Grant award: $808,080
  This project is a Middle Mile broadband infrastructure buildout to upgrade backhaul capacity between site locations within 20 southwestern Minnesota: Blue Earth, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Meeker, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Rock, Redwood, Renville, Sibley Swift, Watonwan, and Yellow Medicine.

In 2017, Meeker County released a broadband feasibility study, with Blandin Foundation’s support. They gave an update in 2018…

Two years ago, businesses thought they were fine with existing broadband. Now they need more. We need to focus on future needs to create a solution for today and tomorrow. …

What are the barriers in place? The technology required is based on needs of the users. Is there a possibility for dark fiber, a cooperative model, partnerships, shared use of conduit, future planning… But we need to build demand to make sure we maximize use and ROI.

There was a great recognition of the future need for broadband…

“In 10 or 15 years, we’re going to be at the point where dial-up internet used to be,” Krueger said. “This analysis is all about what your businesses need for the future.”

Meeker County could benefit from future grants. In 2019, Meeker Coop applied to upgrade service in Meeker. (That doesn’t mean they will get the grant; they have only applied.)

Find more articles on broadband in Meeker County.