Broadband Communities Mag has an annual list of the top 100 organizations that make Fiber to the Home possible for communities. Here’s what they look for:

In selecting the FTTH Top 100, the editors looked for organizations that advance the cause of fiber-based broadband by

* Deploying networks that are large or ambitious, have innovative business plans or are intended to transform local economies or improve communities’ quality of life

*Supplying key hardware, software or services to deployers

Introducing innovative technologies with game-changing potential, even if they have not yet been commercially deployed

*Providing key conditions for fiber builds, such as early-stage support or demand aggregation.

They include a nice quote from Kathy Annette…

“Rural leaders know that to have strong economies, quality education and health care, and lifestyle options, broadband is necessary. After years of hard work, Minnesota is seeing the impact of partnerships among community leaders, state funders and community-minded providers. This winning combination is the way forward to connected communities that work for all.” – Dr. Kathleen Annette, President and CEO, Blandin Foundation

And here is what they say about Blandin…

Blandin Foundation www.blandinfoundation.org 877-882-2257 Key Products: Grant making, community leadership development, public policy programs Summary: Since 1941, the Blandin Foundation, a private foundation based in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, has been dedicated to strengthening rural Minnesota communities. Its Broadband Initiative, launched in 2003, helps communities educate citizens about the need for ultra-high-speed broadband and plan and execute broadband projects. The foundation has published informational guides, sponsored conferences and educational events, and supported many feasibility studies for the development of robust, high-speed broadband networks. It has supported implementation of broadband applications in schools, health care facilities and other institutions and for home-based users and has promoted broadband adoption in rural communities. In 2018, Blandin will select eight rural Minnesota communities for two-year partnerships with the foundation to advance local broadband initiatives.

The list includes a few Minnesota entities. You can check them out.