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Stevens County

Table of goal data by year
Year Rank 100/20 Mbps
2023 #18 of 87 96.06%
2022 #13 of 87 97.08%
2021 #14 of 87 96.79%
2020 #11 of 87 96.79%
2019 #10 of 87 96.74%
2018 #7 of 87 96.74%
2017 #5 of 87 96.73%

Stevens County: Good Coverage But Need a Bump Up

Stevens County ranks 18 (down 5 points) for broadband access out of 87 counties. They have 96.06 percent coverage to broadband of 100 Mbps down and 20 up. They have 124 households without access to broadband at that speed. Estimates indicate that it will cost $1.1 million to get to ubiquitous broadband in the county.

Stevens County has been involved with broadband for years – going back to working with Blandin Foundation-led, Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (2009-2012) effort.

They have been stalled at 97 percent, with a slight dip this year, which is likely based on map challenges and corrections.

In December 2022, Runestone Telephone received $2.5 million to expand broadband in Grant, Stevens, and Traverse Counties.

Stevens County retains their green ranking because they are so close to goal but they will need a push to close the gap.

Household Density

5.5

Number of Providers

12

As of 2023 · Source: MN DEED

Households with Device Access

A Device 87.1% 95.5%
statewide
Desktop or Laptop 79.3% 83.2%
statewide
Smartphone 71.3% 90.1%
statewide
Tablet 54.2% 65.8%
statewide
Other 2.1% 2.3%
statewide

Has Worked with Blandin Foundation

Yes

Has Received MN Grant(s)

Yes

2022 – Runestone Telephone Association – Herman-Dumont – GRANT $2,493,637

2017 – Advantenon – Rural Grant, Stevens and Wilkin Counties – Grant $316,554

2014 – Otter Tail Telcom, Swan Lake West – Award: $438,937.

Government Districts

U.S. Congress: CD 7

MN Senate: 12

MN House: 12A

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