Brad Finstad, executive director at Center for Rural Policy and Development wrote an editorial on the importance of broadband to the vitality of rural areas. Specifically he wrote about broadband as a way to keep a skilled workforce in rural areas.

Many people leave rural areas for the prospect of a better job in the metro areas – yet more employers are offering the opportunity for folks to work remotely. But to work remotely they need to have broadband access. He gives some nice examples.

It struck a chord with me as I plan to go to Ireland in a week – for six months. It really is true that will many jobs you can live anywhere while you work; very little will change for me while I’m overseas. The time difference comes up occasionally but so long as I can get broadband, I am as accessible as ever. It opens a huge door for the rural (and very livable) communities in Minnesota.