MinnPost recently published an opinion piece from Jason George, the business manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49. I mention the author specifically because his position indicates that he understands broadband installation, and he may have a bias as to who should be doing the work. But as we get ready for large amounts of federal funding, it’s helpful to think of all sides of all implications…

In today’s hyper-connected economy, access to high-speed internet can transform a community. Lack of access can smother its future.

So the stakes are high as Minnesota is poised to invest more than $650 million in federal funding for broadband, thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure bill championed by President Joe Biden.

But the stakes are also high when inexperienced, underpaid workers install fiber optics cables, often digging within inches of dangerous gas utilities or powerlines. One careless error could be fatal to workers and catastrophic to a community.