Journalist Resource recently took a look at rural broadband in a coronavirus world…

In this time of pandemic caused by a new coronavirus, systems that many rely on daily, like health care and education, are unraveling. Americans who can telework are avoiding the office, bringing the inequality of telework into high relief. Eventually, there may be silver linings. For now, the pandemic continues to leave average Americans increasingly exposed to a variety of sudden challenges.

“Everything is connected,” says Gilmartin. “It’s like the thread of a sweater.”

It’s a popular topic, for many good reasons but I mostly add the article because they give Minnesota a nod…

Minnesota is one state leading the charge for higher rural broadband speeds, Gallardo says. By 2026, the state is aiming for all homes and businesses there to have access to at least one broadband provider that offers download speeds of at least 100 mbps — four times faster than the federal baseline. North Carolina also has a plan for improving broadband availability and usage there. Wisconsin wants everyone there to have access to internet service that meets the federal speed standard by 2025.

I might add that while aiming for better broadband is an essential first step, it is just the first step. We also have state funding to support deployment – and to keep in the leadership role, we need to encourage more state funding and remember to update the speed goals when appropriate!