Carver County Commissioner Matt Uderman asks his neighbors to think about FTTH (via SW News Media)…

What if Carver County was the first county in Minnesota with 100% fiber broadband?

Nearly 15% of America (as of 2018), and an estimated 11% of Carver County don’t have high speed access. Compare that to 99.6% of U.S. households that have complete plumbing and effectively 100% with access to electricity.

Broadband access (or lack thereof) has created a digital divide that impacts economic, social, health and educational outcomes. Some call broadband fuel for ‘digital prosperity’ and the bridge of physical infrastructure and social infrastructure — others simply say access is necessary in today’s world.

‘Broadband For All’ undoubtedly would be a significant selling point for current and future residents, businesses, overall economic development, closing of educational connectivity and access gaps, reduced digital seclusion/loneliness and associated health implications, closing of rural/city digital divides, access to telehealth (think more convenient care for grandma and grandpa while living independently and a click away from medical assistance), the fostering of future competition (and eventually even better pricing), attracting top work from home talent free to work wherever they choose, and more.

What do you think? I invite your thoughts on pursuing bringing broadband fiber to the entire county and the overall impact personal, professional and social impact.