Here’s the news from our latest newsletter. It’s mostly a compilation of Minnesota-related stories from the blog in the last month – but sometimes it’s nice to have it compiled.
Minnesota News from the Blandin on Broadband Blog
Ultra High-Speed Broadband Task Force Update
In April, Task Force members were asked to get their recommendations for the Minnesota legislature started by submitting five paragraphs, which are now available on the Blandin on Broadband blog. http://tinyurl.com/ngpy65 In May, they discussed contentious issues such as role of government and definition of broadband. http://tinyurl.com/opt9d4 Citizens are asked to chime in with opinions on those or other issues. http://tinyurl.com/ngpy65
Task Force Summer Meetings and Blandin Broadband Policy Seminars
On June 19, the Task Force will be meeting in Grand Rapids. As always the public is welcome. The public is also invited to a Broadband Policy Seminar hosted by Blandin Foundation in Grand Rapids on June 18. The Task Force will be meeting in Mankato in July and Fergus Falls in August; Blandin Foundation will be hosting Policy Seminars in those locations as well. http://tinyurl.com/mx5luu
Get Broadband Communities on YouTube
Blandin on Broadband recently published videos from several Get Broadband communities about their use of broadband technology. Communities include Benton County, Cambridge, Cohasset, Edge of Wilderness, Five Small Towns, Fosston and Sleepy Eye. http://tinyurl.com/mnkzqv
Local Broadband News
Cambridge
Cambridge is looking at communitywide wireless access. http://tinyurl.com/ltts8p
Cloquet et al
Mediacom is deploying DOCSIS 3.0; the communities aren’t specified but in Minnesota they serve Cloquet, Proctor, Eveleth, Hibbing, Franklin, Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Prior Lake, St Peter, Worthington, Two Harbors, Silver Bay, and Hoyt Lakes. http://tinyurl.com/mz75yn
Duluth
Duluth is looking into a wireless network to connect community clubs. http://tinyurl.com/lzlbv6
Hutchinson
The Hutchinson Leader ran an article highlighting the success of the Minnesota Telehealth Network and risk of funding running out. http://tinyurl.com/mghagr
Jackson
After some initial hesitancy by the City Council, the Mayor of Jackson has persuaded the Council to invest in the first stages of a fiber network plan for the city. http://tinyurl.com/nkxcba
Lac qui Parle
Western Minnesota is running a contest for people who want help promote the area with a video. http://tinyurl.com/loy8pt
Lake County
Lake County has engaged National Public Broadband to pursue a fiber network to the area. http://tinyurl.com/mhl3uf
Two Harbors
Grandparents are reading to grandkids across state lines via Skype. http://tinyurl.com/npajq5
Winona
A happy customer is now online in rural Winona after help from Hiawatha Broadband. http://tinyurl.com/myagm5