I’ve been waiting to see what the mainstream media – especially outside the big metropolitan areas would think of the National Broadband Plan. When the Minnesota Ultra High-Speed Broadband Task Force unveiled recommendations there was a wide range of opinions. Some thought it was too lofty; others were pleased with the direction. So what are people saying about the National Broadband Plan?

The Bemidji Pioneer calls it a plus. They praise the proposed “goal of connecting 100 million households to affordable 100-megabits-per-second service” and quote President Obama…

“America today is on the verge of a broadband-driven Internet era that will unleash innovation, create new jobs and industries, provide consumers with new powerful sources of information, enhance American safety and security, and connect communities in ways that strengthen our democracy. Just as past generations of Americans met the great infrastructure challenges of the day, such as building the Transcontinental railroad and the Interstate highways, so too must we harness the potential of the Internet. Expanding broadband across the nation will build a foundation of sustained economic growth and the widely shared prosperity we all seek,” President Barack Obama said Tuesday about the report.

The article also gives a nod to local providers, especial Paul Bunyan who are already on their way to serving the local community both in terms of pre- and post- National Broadband Plan standards.