I mentioned the meeting in a previous post. Here are more details. I am planning to livestream via Facebook…

Saint Louis County broadband efforts and opportunities to be highlighted at public event

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. (June 20, 2019) — Iron Range Broadband Communities invite Saint Louis County community members to attend a presentation on their project progress on June 25 from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the Mountain Iron Community Center.

Over the past two years, 10 community initiatives from across the Iron Range have been working to improve both access and use of broadband technologies.  These efforts are being supported with resources from the Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation, Blandin Foundation and Saint Louis County.

As broadband services grow increasingly important for community and economic development, community efforts to improve broadband access in Saint Louis County are gaining momentum.  Compared to much of northeastern Minnesota, Saint Louis County has large areas where local access and needs are considered unserved or under-served.

Feasibility studies analyzing broadband construction costs and revenue streams have been conducted in an area stretching from Hibbing to Mountain Iron and another in the Ely area.  Additional studies are planned that would include the Tower area, East Range and Laurentian Communities.

The event will highlight emerging broadband projects and related accessibility maps, feasibility study results, and insights on how to work with local broadband providers.  An opportunity for informal discussion over coffee and cookies will conclude the meeting. Co-sponsored by the Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation, Blandin Foundation and the Iron Range Broadband Communities, the event is open to the public.  There is no charge, pre-registration is not required.