The Grand Forks Herald reports…

On Thursday, June 29, state representatives toured 702 Communications to discuss the expansion of broadband connectivity in Minnesota.

This week, Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Governor Tim Walz secured nearly $652 million from the federal government and $67 million in state grants to expand broadband coverage in the state.

“It’s how we run our businesses, it’s how we do our homework, it’s how we stay connected with loved ones, it is essential,” Flanagan said.

The visit came as the internet provider received a $2.6 million grant to boost internet access across the region. 702 Communications CEO Brian Crommett said the funding has allowed the company to expand a business plan to help internet connection reach more people in rural areas.

“As part of this, we wanted to really make sure that we could make connectivity affordable so paired with the affordable connectivity plan, the ACP, we are going to have pretty low cost options for everybody that is out there,” Crommett said.