ABC6 Rochester reports…

Around 12% of people in Minnesota currently don’t have reliable internet access, but the Office of Broadband Development is working to change that.
Minnesota received an investment of $651 million from the federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program (BEAD) to bring reliable, affordable, high-speed internet access to everyone in the state. …

Minnesota and Iowa are both currently in the process of finalizing their service maps and identifying all the eligible communities that still lack reliable, high-speed Internet.

Minnesota intends to have its map completed and approved by the NTIA by late next summer.
Now is the time to reach out to your local government, Internet service provider or non-profit if your home or business doesn’t have an internet connection.

“It allows us to work and live where we would like to in the state of Minnesota. We’re a very diverse state, geographically, and this is just really an essential need for economic development drivers across the state,” said Bree Maki, Executive Director for the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development.
Once the service map is finalized and all eligible communities are identified, those area will begin to receive service, which Minnesota projects will begin in 2026.
Minnesota has a line extension program where you can register your address to be connected to a provider.

For those who lack Internet access, you can call 651-259-7610 to receive a paper application or have an agent complete the application on your behalf.