It’s fun to hear stories of broadband success in Minnesota. It’s instructive to hear how they happened. Thanks to Dan Richter for passing on the story of MVTV Wireless’ success as posted on the Southwest Initiative Foundation web site. The story outlines some of the funding history of MVTV – I thought it might help inspire and motivate other communities and/or businesses.

Based in Granite Falls, MVTV Wireless is a nonprofit, member-owned corporation made up of members/stockholders, who pay a one-time fee of $50.00 per household. According to the SWIF article, they have more than 3,200 subscribers throughout 16,000 square miles of central and southwest Minnesota.

MVTV has received support from SWIF to help them grow…

In 2000 and 2001, MVTV received loans from SWIF’s Revolving Loan Fund to help finance an expansion. These funds helped fill the gap of what was needed for the project and what MVTV’s bank partners could provide. Dan [Richter] credits SWIF for their important role in the project, as well as the Small Business Development Center, for giving him confidence and assistance to successfully move MVTV forward.

SWIF felt it was their mission to support a local, growing business – but also to meet the goals of their Rural Technology and Telecommunications Project, which is no longer an initiative. It seems as if the funding gave MVTV the deepening roots to go for more funding…

MVTV continues to expand to improve service as well. They received a Pilot Broadband Loan from the Rural Utilities Service Broadband Initiative Program in 2002 and were recently awarded funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which is supporting updates to the current system, new access points that will nearly double its service area, and the addition of 1,500 new customers.

Last summer I spoke with John Schultz of U-reka Broadband, who is involved with several ARRA-funded projects. MVTV’s story reminded me of much of the advice that John gave. Specifically, if you are a community look local and look to the co-ops and independent providers. I would add – don’t forget to look local for funding too. There are Initiative Foundations in all corners of Minnesota. Blandin Foundation has a couple of programs that offer funding for expanding broadband. Of course there are more traditional means as well and I’m sure your local Economic Development Authority or Small Business Development Center can help with those.