Broadband

Blandin Foundation stands with Minnesota’s rural leaders and communities as they create and claim futures that are resilient, vibrant and connected.

Broadband has revolutionized business, government, education, work and lifestyles. Without robust broadband access and fully technologically literate populations, rural communities will be unable to take advantage of the extraordinary benefits that ultra high-speed, next-generation Internet can provide.

Since 2003, the Blandin Community Broadband Program has engaged at local, state and federal levels to ignite and sustain policies that support rural access to robust broadband. Guiding this work is a strategy board of public and private leaders to guide the initiative, and a vision.

Scroll down for information about our broadband community cohorts and available grants.

Learn more about broadband – Research and reports, past broadband conference materials, tools you can use and success stories.

October 6-29

Annual Conference

Broadband Webinar Series

Leaders in the Minnesota and national broadband scene share insights and tips to transform communities into tech-savvy destinations.

Blandin Broadband Communities Program

Intensive, two-year partnerships with Blandin Foundation to advance local broadband initiatives.

BBC Member Page

Information for our BBC partners. Login required.

Robust Network Feasibility Fund Grants

Matching grants to support research on the feasibility of geographically based broadband networks.

Community Broadband Resources Program

Technical assistance and general support as your community explores its next steps in high-speed internet services.

From the Blandin on Broadband Blog

MN college students donate devices to help senior connect with doctorsKSTP TV reports… The pandemic has left many people feeling lonely and often, it’s our seniors who are especially isolated. Now a group of Minnesota college students is providing technology to keep them connected to their doctors. “It’s just really fulfilling,” said Saketh Kollipara, Sophomore at Emory University. On Friday the students made a special delivery dropping off used iPads, smartphones and laptops. “A lot of our patients don’t have access to these types of devices,” said Abbie Zahler, director of Community Health and Grants Management at the Neighborhood Healthsource Fremont Clinic. It’s all part of the student run, national non-profit called Telehealth Access For Seniors, and local students raised money to make sure local patients at the Neighborhood Healthsource Freemont Clinic and Abbott Northwestern in Minneapolis have the resources to better connect with their doctors.

Sep 20

KSTP TV reports… The pandemic has left many people feeling lonely and often, it’s our seniors who are especially isolated. Now a group of Minnesota college students is providing technology to keep them connected to their doctors. “It’s just really … Continue reading →

Biden visits Duluth and mentions broadband as tool to put people to work

Sep 20

Duluth News Tribune reports on a recent visit from presidential candidate Joe Biden to Hermantown, outside of Duluth… Biden’s economic plan called for a now-familiar tax increase for people making over $400,000 per year. Money raised would go toward putting … Continue reading →

Visit the Blandin on Broadband Blog

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