I’m so glad you asked how Minnesota broadband access by urban/rural status compares to other Midwest states. It gives me a chance to dive into Roberto Gallardo’s recent article on broadband access in the Midwest. Also a quick caveat – broadband is defined here as 25 Mbps down and 3 up. That is the FCC definition of broadband; it’s also the 2022 speed goal for Minnesota. Minnesota has a secondary speed goal of 100/20 by 2026.

At first glance I was a little worried. We’re were number one (granted the data is from 2017) after a few years of attention on speed (statutory goals) and investment (broadband grants) …

Then I saw that Roberto was also looking at access to 25/25…

And symmetrical gig access

Especially looking at gig access, we are absolutely in leadership position. Undoubtedly the “Minnesota Model”  – speed goals, broadband grants, Office of Broadband Development located in Department of Employment and Economic Development and an active broadband community has played a part.

So I’m not so worried about not coming in first for the 25/3 access; in fact not coming in first helps us recognize the need to try harder and with broadband that means – ubiquitous coverage at high speeds.