| Year | 25/3 Mbps | 100/20 Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 |
#78 of 87 67.25% |
#71 of 87 49.39% |
| 2018 |
#74 of 87 66.14% |
#56 of 87 45.62% |
| 2017 |
#80 of 87 45.37% |
#50 of 87 45.37% |
Rank: 71 (out of 87) for broadband speeds of 100/20 megabits per second (Mbps)
Traverse County is not poised to meet the Minnesota broadband speed goals for either 2022 or 2026.
In 2017, Mediacom has announced upgrades to Gig service in parts of Traverse County, specifically Wheaton. Traverse is also getting almost $2 million in FCC funding but that is over the next 10 years.
At a regional meeting hosted by Blandin Foundation in 2018, Traverse County gave an update on their broadband situation…
What was the story in Traverse County?
They found an interested provider in the area. They cut a deal where the county lent the company money and provided some easier access to towers. Once the provider got a certain number of providers, they had to look at paying back the loan. They’ve been successful. It’s wireless. It’s maybe not 25/3 but it’s better than what people had before.
Wireless isn’t wireless – it’s wireless to a tower that needs fiber.
Fixed wireless isn’t a long terms acceptable solution for Minnesota. They are akin to party lines. MY connectivity cannot depend on my neighbor’s trees (or on whether they build a new barn).
But fixed wireless is working in places like Renville Sibley County – where people can get fixed wireless and are happy to have it until FTTH becomes available.
Find more articles on broadband in Traverse County.
Household Density
2.6
Has Worked with Blandin Foundation
Yes
Has Received MN Grant(s)
No