I didn’t attend Senator Schmit’s broadband listening session in Chatfield today – but it made the Post Bulletin. I have attended a couple of the listening session (and will post updates as soon as I can)  and I recognized a couple of topics that have come up at other sessions:

Broadband is a Utility…

“We view it as a piece of infrastructure. No different than our roads, water and sewer,” said City Administrator Nick Koverman. “We’re losing population. Why is that? Because telecommunications is one of the services that people want.”

Businesses need it and rural communities need business…

The consensus among those gathered was clear: Without access to this high-tech infrastructure, these cities will struggle to attract the businesses and residents needed to thrive.

Broadband is an educational tool…

Another major issue is education. Mike Plass, IT coordinator at St. Charles Public Schools, said he is concerned about making sure that all students, regardless of household income, have access to high-speed internet.

Broadband providers have a tough time making a business case to deploy in rural areas…

“The provider basically said there isn’t enough volume here. There isn’t enough need here. We can’t invest in this, which is frustrating to hear.