Monthly Archives: January 2025

Bois Forte Tribal Reservation Broadband Profile 2024

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Tribal Area  (25/3)
2024		 (25/3)
2021		 (25/3) 2019
(100/20) 2024		 (100/20) 2021 (100/20) 2019
Bois Forte 100 65.36 20.12 100 0 0

Former Blandin Broadband Community, Bois Forte has done some stellar work in the last few years. In 2021, they were sitting at 65 percent access to broadband (100/20). A lot has happened since then.

In Oct 2022, Bois Forte received a $19.8 million grant from National Telecommunications and Information Administrations (NTIA) Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. (Read more.)

In March, 2024, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board awarded Bois Forte $261,184 to construct a fiber-to-the-home buildout to bring high speed broadband to 442 homes in the Bois Forte Reservation. The project previously received a grant in 2019 and was nearing completion. The earlier grant was part match for a MN State broadband grant. Bois Forte has been working with cooperative, CTC Communications, on this network.

In August 2024, CTC talked about the Bois Forte project at a MN Broadband Task Force meeting.

Read more articles on Bois Forte.

MN Tribal Broadband Profiles 2024: 100 percent coverage based on National Broadband Map

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In December 2024, I completed the MN Broadband County Profiles. These are  the MN Broadband Tribal Profiles. Spoiler alert, the tribal counties and communities all show 100 percent coverage for broadband at speeds of 100 Mbps down and 25 up. Congratulations to them!

I wasn’t able to use the same tools I used for the County Profiles because the MN interactive map doesn’t track broadband by tribal area. However, I can pull maps from the interactive map that show (but don’t give data) coverage in tribal areas. (I have screenshots showing unserved areas.) I used the FCC National Broadband Map to get the data. There appear to be some discrepancies in the 100 percent in data and seeing unserved dot in the maps.

Below is a chart tracking speeds for 2024, 2021 and 2019 for speeds of 25 Mbps down and 3 up (25/3) and 100/20. (The map shown is from 2023, but I thought it was best for the high level view of where the tribals areas are and a glimpse at broadband coverage.)

Tribal Area  (25/3)
2024
(25/3)
2021
(25/3) 2019
(100/20) 2024
(100/20) 2021
(100/20) 2019
Bois Forte 100 65.36 20.12 100 0 0
Fond du Lac 100 83.81 30.96 100 66.4 19.5
Grand Portage 100 94.24 94.24 100 94.24 94.24
Leech Lake 100 95.15 91.68 100 78.99 65.01
Lower Sioux 100 100 100 100 90.24 77.12
Mille Lacs 100 76.41 60.51 100 72.54 60.46
Prairie Island 100 100 100 100 50.24 50.59
Red Lake 100 99.82 99.81 100 99.82 99.81
Shakopee Mdewakanton 100 100 50 100 100 50
Upper Sioux 100 100 100 100 47.58 0
White Earth 100 89.96 84.67 100 89.96 84.67

OPPORTUNITY: Open seat on Minnesota Assistive Technology Advisory Council

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The Minnesota Assistive Technology Advisory Council is looking for a new member. Here’s a little information…

The advisory council shall be comprised of: ( I ) Individuals with disabilities that use assistive technology or the family members or guardians of the individuals; ( II ) a representative of the designated state agency, as defined in section 7 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 705) and the state agency for individuals who are blind (within the meaning of section 101 of that Act (29 U.S.C. 721)), if such agency is separate; (Interpreted as the State Services for the Blind.; ( III ) a representative of a state center for independent living described in part C of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796f et seq.); (IV) a representative of the state workforce investment board established under section 111 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2821); (Interpreted to mean the Governor’s Workforce Development Council; ( V ) a representative of the state educational agency, as defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C> 7801) (interpreted to mean the Minnesota Department of Education; and ( VI ) representatives of other state agencies, public agencies, or public organizations, as determined by the state (ii) Majority. ( I ) In general. A majority is not less than 51 percent of the members of the advisory council, shall be members appointed under clause (ii)(I). ( II ) Representatives of agencies. Members appointed under subclauses ( II ) through ( VI ) of clause (i) shall not count toward the majority membership requirement established in subclause ( I ). (iii) Representation. The advisory council shall be geographically representative of the state and reflect the diversity of the state with respect to race, ethnicity, types of disabilities across the age span, and users of types of services that an individual with a disability may receive.

OBD Office Hours Jan 21, 2025: NTIA approves final list of BEAD eligible locations

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The MN Office of Broadband Development held their weekly office hours this morning. It didn’t last long but I do appreciate that they hold these meetings. I have slides and questions from the session.

Top mentions:

  • NTIA did approve final list of BEAD eligible locations. There is some de-duplication still happening for example addresses impacted by recently announced ReConnect grants and ongoing Line Extensions.
  • The Minnesota BEAD portal should be up on the next couple of days.

Questions:

What’s the planned process to flag incorrect locations or funded locations that should not be eligible?
Provide info to OBD and then can check to see what type of form you need to complete. Incorrect locations are pretty straightforward. Funded locations may require Sworn affidavit.

Sorry I may have missed this, how long is prequalification open for?
Not sure. Working on portal and RFP approved. The sooner the better for getting your information in. (Sounds like it will be open for about a month.)

The list of locations on the website says “PRELIMINARY” is this updated?
It is final approved list. And will mark it as final.

To make sure I didn’t miss the email already… for those who participated in the challenge process, when can we expect the emails inviting us to join the sub grantee selection process?
When the portal is ready.

Follow up… When would we identify incorrect or enforceable commitment locations?
Send lists to OBD now – and add details.

So to clarify, the Pre-reg application does not open up today? Only for those who have received an invite will have access?
The portal is not up today. But when it opens, it will open to everyone. People don’t get an invitation as much as a notification.

When will FAQ be released?
ASAP – we just need to check our answers. We will try to update weekly. For reference Colorado’s FAQ is 81 pages long. The questions get involved and the answer can be details.

 

Broadband access associated with fewer COVID cases and deaths

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Recent research from the University of Michigan reports…

The mortality rate from COVID-19 was about 50% lower in U.S. counties with higher internet access in the summer and early fall of 2020.

A new University of Michigan study found that broadband connection was a key factor in reducing mortality and incidence during the early months of the pandemic. The average county with high internet access had 48%-53% fewer new COVID-19 deaths and 19%-34% fewer new COVID deaths per 100,000 residents than the average county with low internet access.

It looks as broadband as a lifeline…

The study adds to growing evidence that internet access is a critical “social determinant of health,” especially during public health crises. In 2020, broadband served as a lifeline, enabling access to up-to-date information on protective measures like masking, social distancing and recognizing symptoms.

Despite the internet’s reputation for spreading misinformation, Allen’s study highlights its overall positive impact during the pandemic—linking it to lower COVID-19 cases and death rates. The internet facilitated remote work, reduced exposure to crowded spaces and enabled timely medical care. It also allowed millions to adapt quickly to online work, education, telehealth and social connections.

Looks like the researcher may dig deeper into role of broadband in health efficacy…

For the researcher, very few studies examine the relationship between internet access and health outcomes, not just COVID-19. To explore this relationship further, Allen is developing a project using U.S. mortality data from before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I want to determine whether the link between internet access and mortality is unique to the pandemic or has existed over a longer period,” he said.

Senator Putnam thinks MN Agriculture at legislature may be focused

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St Cloud Live reports…

While the Minnesota House waits for a special Jan. 28 election that would determine control of the chamber, Putnam said he still expects things to get done. He said, by and large, those in ag committees are not there for political stunts.

“Even while the rest of St. Paul looks like it’s on fire, we’re going to be OK in ag,” said Putnam, who chairs the Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development committee. “Because we have people who are grounded, who are humble, who are thoughtful, who want to solve problems, both sides of the aisle. I think we’re going to be OK.”

He does not specifically call out broadband, but Broadband is in the name of the committee. Broadband is a nonpartisan/bipartisan issue and that might help raise its profile too. It will be interesting to see.

Governor Walz releases budget; will discuss DEED budget on Jan 21

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Governor Walz releases his proposed budget…

This is an odd-numbered year, and so the Legislature is constitutionally required to craft a budget to fund the state government for the next two fiscal years.

Gov. Tim Walz took a major first step in that process Thursday by announcing his proposed 2026-27 biennium budget, which totals $65.9 billion in General Fund spending. This is a slimming down from the $70.7 billion General Fund appropriations for the current 2024-25 biennium.

If his budget is passed as proposed, Walz said it would leave a $2.1 billion surplus in fiscal years 2026-27, and a $355 million surplus in fiscal years 2028-29.

The Office of Broadband Development is housed in the Department of Employment and Economic Development and therefore is part of their budget.

They include historical information on funds for broadband grants…

And details on the recent an proposed budget…


 

 

Looks like DEED will talk about the budget on Tuesday…

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 , 8:15 AM

Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Chair: Rep. Dave Baker
Location: G3
Agenda:

I. Department of Employment and Economic Development, Department of Labor, and Governor’s Office overview of Governor’s proposed budget and recommendations
II. Discussion of Labor and Workforce Committee rules for 2025 legislative session

Biden Recommendations for $369 Million Digital Equity Act awards includes1 MN groups

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Last week, I wrote about two Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program awards from the NTIA that went to the Hmong American Partnership and Minnesota State Colleges & Universities as well as other projects in other states. Today they announced more…

Today, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has recommended for award more than $369 million to 41 organizations to support digital skills and inclusion projects in communities across the country. These investments will empower individuals and communities across the nation with the essential skills they need to thrive in today’s connected world.

This funding comes from the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, one of three Digital Equity Act grant programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

One award includes Minnesota…

Program: Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc.
Locations: TX, AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NY, NJ, NV
Proposed Project Activities:

  • Distribution of pre-configured, accessible equipment to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals
  • Establishment of the Deaf Digital Advancement Initiative – an American Sign Language -centric digital literacy training program that will include offerings such as technology equipment training, ensuring participants can effectively use and maintain their devices
  • Digital literacy training, covering Internet basics, online safety, and digital communication tools
  • American Sign Language classes focused on technology-related vocabulary and online communication
  • Job training tailored for the digital workforce, including skills for online job searching and remote work
  • Implementation of a direct video calling support system that aims to facilitate easier access to interpreting services across various state agency settings, significantly enhancing the ability of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals to communicate effectively and access public services in government offices
  • Develop accessible digital health training programs and creating culturally competent health education materials; and establishing a public health information hotline.

 

Taxpayers Protection Alliance concerned about policies around BEAD funding

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An Op-Ed from Johnny Kampis of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance talks about deployment of BEAD funding from the provider perspective…

Some states are finding it difficult to entice providers to participate in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program due to the myriad hoops (i.e. regulations) through which those companies must jump. Industry leaders in multiple states have recently said they expect no buy-in from their groups’ members.

He includes statements from MN industry folks…

Brent Christensen, president and CEO of Minnesota Telecom Alliance, recently told MinnPost that he expects none of the alliance’s 70 members to apply for any of the $652 million from BEAD to be distributed in that state.

Christensen pointed out that many of the group’s members primarily operate in rural areas, which are already expensive to connect without putting additional restrictions on the projects. He singled out the low-cost option requirement as a large impediment to participation.

“To put those obligations on small rural providers is a hell of a roadblock,” Christensen said. “Most of our members are small and can’t afford to offer a low-cost option.”

His counterpart at the Minnesota Cable Communications Association, Melissa Wolf, agreed that the low-cost provision “just won’t work for smaller providers.”

His hope is that President Trump will relax NTIA’s policies…

NTIA Director Alan Davidson has announced he plans to step down when president-elect Trump is inaugurated for his second term. Hopefully, the Trump administration will relax some of the NTIA’s policies that could deter investment into the BEAD program and ensure greater participation to connect those still in need of broadband service.

FCC announces Cybersecurity Pilot Program Participants including 12 in MN

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The FCC reports…

The Federal Communications Commission today selected 707 participants for the FCC’s Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, including 645 schools and districts, 50 libraries, and 12 consortia.  Participants in the three-year pilot program will receive support to defray the costs of eligible cybersecurity services and equipment and provide the Commission with data to better understand whether and how universal service funds could be used to improve school and library defenses against increasing cyberattacks.  All 50 states, in addition to Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, and several Tribal lands are reflected by the Pilot participants announced today.   …

The Cybersecurity Pilot Program is part of Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s Learn Without Limits initiative to address the Homework Gap by ensuring connectivity to and within schools and libraries.  This initiative includes Wi-Fi on school buses, the Wi-Fi hotspot lending program, and E-Rate support for libraries in Tribal communities.

Here are the participants in Minnesota…

CHRIST HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH SCH School MN
ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY Library System MN
SAINT PAUL PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT 625 School District MN
RED LAKE SCHOOL DISTRICT 38 School District MN
HMONG COLLEGE PREP ACADEMY 4103-07 School MN
SOUTHERN PLAINS EDUCATION COOPERATIVE School District MN
COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE 4181-07 School MN
TRI-COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION INC. School District MN
THE BEST ACADEMY School MN
NEW CENTURY SCHOOL 4240-07 School MN
BDOTE LEARNING CENTER 4226-07 School MN
Bultum Academy School MN

 

OPPORTUNITY: Submit Your Nomination for the 2025 Intelligent Community Awards

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An opportunity for communities from the Intelligent Community Forum…

The Intelligent Community Awards Program® honors the achievements of Intelligent Communities in creating dynamic, prosperous and inclusive economies that strengthen social connections and support rich and meaningful cultures. These are the things that make a community of any size a great place to live, work, start a business, build a career, raise a family and prepare a way for the next generation.

How to Nominate Your Community

You are welcome to submit a nomination at any time. See the Smart21 Events page for the next closing date. Start your nomination →

The Value of the Awards

The annual Award program focuses local, regional and international attention on achievements and progress that too often goes unnoticed in communities, especially in small-to-midsize ones that are seldom in the news. For residents and employers, it shows the community in a new light on a global stage, and motivates greater participation in programs.

The Awards Process

At each stage, ICF uses a standard, documented, transparent process to gather information on communities, analyze it, score it and report the results, described below.

ICF maintains data on hundreds of communities around the world, drawn from Assessment Questionnaires submitted by them, updates they provide and publicly available information. The questionnaires are based on standards developed for ICF’s Intelligent Community Certification program, consistent with the six Factors of the Community Accelerator Strategy.  ICF periodically reviews and updates the questions based on current best practices in development. Entered into ICF’s analytic model, the data produces a score for each Factor and a score for the community based on an equally-weighted average of the Factors.

Several Minnesota communities have participated in the past and several have done well. But as I recall, they learned a lot just from the process of self-assessing their communities.

OPPORTUNITY: Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grants deadline March 6, 2025

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An opportunity from USDA Rural Development...

This competitive program helps rural communities use advanced telecommunications technology to connect to each other – and the world – overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. We encourage you to consider projects that promote equity and economic opportunity in rural America, specifically those that advance these key priorities:

  • Assisting rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure.
  • Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development programs and benefits from Rural Development funded projects; and
  • Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities.

Based on Fiscal Year 2024 appropriated funding, the agency estimates that approximately $40 million will be available for Fiscal Year 2025. As permitted, we also will make available any unused appropriations from prior fiscal years, and can increase funding if additional appropriations become available.

To learn more about recently funded DLT projects, Rural Development has developed a map of recently funded DLT projects  All upcoming events will be posted on the events program tab.

Who may apply?

For both programs, eligible applicants include most entities that provide education or health care through telecommunications, including:

  • State and local governmental organizations
  • Federally-recognized Tribes
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Incorporated, for-profit businesses
  • Groups of eligible entities working
    together

What is an eligible area?

The DLT program is targeted to rural areas with populations 20,000 or fewer.

How may the funds be used?

Funds can be used to purchase or support:

  • Audio, video, and interactive video equipment
  • Broadband facilities used for distance learning or telemedicine (up to a certain percentage)
  • Computer hardware, network components, and software
  • Instructional programming
  • Limited technical assistance and instruction on how to use distance learning and telemedicine equipment

What kinds of funding are available?

Grant-only funds, awarded through a nationally competitive process  – 15% match required. Funds are awarded through a nationally-competitive process. Currently, this is a grant-only program; there is no DLT loan or loan and grant combination.

What are the grant terms?

Awardees have a three-year performance period beginning the date funds are released.

What are some grant requirements?

  • Awards range from $50,000 to $1 million
  • A minimum 15 percent match is required and cannot be from another federal source

Who currently participates in this program?

See our DLT Recipient Directory for a list of current participants.

How do we get started?

  • Applicants can apply online via Grants.gov
  • Program Resources are available online (includes forms, guidance, certifications, etc.) on the How to Apply tab above
  • Check back here or contact your General Field Representative for additional information

More on mega data centers in Minnesota: Looking at power, water, noise pollution

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Last week I wrote about the reaction some Dakota County residents had to a proposed data center. So I was easily pulled in when I saw a recent another article on the data centers (Mega data centers are coming to Minnesota. Their power needs are staggering). There are a lot of moving pieces on something that seems wonky but also likely to have a big impact on Minnesota…

Facebook’s parent company is building Minnesota’s first mega data center in Rosemount to house its fast-growing need for computing muscle.

Amazon and Microsoft bought land for large data centers near Xcel Energy’s soon-retiring coal plant in Becker. A Colorado company called Tract has advanced a project in Farmington and is eyeing colossal sites in Rosemount and Cannon Falls. Other companies want to build data centers in Chaska, Faribault, North Mankato and Hampton.

If built, this crop of data centers could demand as much electricity as every home in Minnesota.

State and local officials as well as electric utilities are grappling with how to manage this explosive growth while keeping the lights on and complying with laws for a transition to clean power.

Lagging power supply on the 15-state regional grid has spurred warnings of blackouts starting this summer. The data centers are already raising concerns about whether they will prolong the burning of fossil fuels for electricity even as Minnesota requires a carbon-free grid by 2040.

You need only think of how many pictures or videos you have on your own phone compared to 5 years ago, or 10 or 20, to get an idea of the increased need for data. It’s a growing industry. There are tax incentives for companies to come to Minnesota…

Helping to draw these data centers are state tax breaks on energy sales, equipment and software enacted in 2011. It started as a relatively small program worth about $7.3 million a decade ago. It has since grown to often more than $100 million annually — before the arrival of colossal data centers.

About three dozen states have tax breaks for equipment and are “table stakes” to attract big data centers, said Tract’s chief investment officer Graham Williams.

Minnesota has been working on developing clean energy…

Xcel is building one of the nation’s largest solar farms in Sherburne County, a project seen as a landmark for carbon-free progress in Minnesota. That can generate only enough electricity for 150,000 homes.

Even before the data center boom, utilities were preparing for higher demand as people switch to electric vehicles and home heating systems.

Minnesota in 2024 made it faster to permit and build clean energy. Still, it can take several years to build wind and solar projects and as much as a decade for large transmission lines to carry electricity.

The question is – how will Minnesota’s power grid handle the extreme growth…

If built, this crop of data centers could demand as much electricity as every home in Minnesota.

There are many points of view…

Still, some believe data centers — and the deep pockets of their owners — will ultimately help the switch to carbon-free power.

Google told the PUC in October it’s buying the power from a geothermal plant in Nevada, and the tech industry has purchased a tremendous amount of renewable electricity across the country.

Beyond wind and solar, some data center companies are paying to revive nuclear plants such as Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania or investing in emerging technology for smaller reactors.

And what is the impact on water…

The spread of data centers brings other challenges. Some use huge quantities of water. People don’t want to live near them. They can be noisy.

In Farmington, residents sued the city in an effort to stop Tract’s sprawling data center campus. In Hampton, home to 700 people, dozens packed the small city council chambers Tuesday night, poring over maps and pressing for more information about the 140-acre project.

And there are folks looking at economic development…

And even with the risks of data centers, many welcome the jobs and revenue they bring.

Broadband Matters OBD Updates Jan 15, 2025: Upcoming meetings and Task Force meetings notes

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • Broadband and BEAD updates + resource on upcoming Pre-Qualification process
  • Digital Opportunity update
  • Office hours registration + broadband webinars
  • Broadband Task Force, January meeting recap

Broadband and BEAD updates + resource on upcoming Pre-Qualification process

Last month, OBD added a draft of BEAD Pre-Qualification guidance on the webpage, available here. Initial information to keep in mind about the Pre-Qualification process: 

  • Before the subgrantee selection process and awarding BEAD funds, OBD will pre-qualify all prospective applicants to ensure they meet the minimum requirements for subgrantee eligibility. There will only be one pre-qualification round, so prospective applicants must participate, even if they only intend to apply for BEAD funds in later rounds of subgrantee selection.  
  • Pre-qualification is the first step in the subgrantee selection process. Participating in the pre-qualification process does not bind any internet service provider to submit a project area proposal. However, all applicants who are considering participation or intend to submit a proposal must participate in pre-qualification.
  • Prospective applicants will have at least 30 days after the pre-qualification round begins to submit their materials. The OBD will announce an official closing date of pre-qualification as it receives more information from the NTIA about Minnesota’s submission of it’s Challenge Process results. 

OBD’s Financial Assistance webpage also has recent updates from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program and a Notice of Funding (NOFO) published from the Community Connect Grant Program. 

Also available on the OBD webpage and from NTIA, the NTIA’s BEAD Frequently Asked Questions provides insight into the future steps of the BEAD process. For more guidance specifically see: pages 53-56, on Competitive Subgrantee Grants questions 10.1 to 10.6; and pages 61-64, on Grant Award and Reporting Requirements questions 12.1 to 12.7. 

Digital Opportunity update

On Monday, January 6, NTIA announced the first group of organizations receiving over $250M in Digital Equity Competitive Grant funds directly through NTIA. Out of over 700 applications from across the country, only 24 made this list. OBD extends a big congratulations to the two awardees from Minnesota: Hmong American Partnership and the Minnesota State System of Colleges & Universities.

We are proud to have your organizations as national digital opportunity leaders!

Office hours registration + broadband webinars

Last week, OBD held two webinars to provide up to date information on timelines and next steps for both the federal funding for Digital Equity Act and BEAD in Minnesota. The recordings for those webinars are available on the OBD webpage here.  

OBD will also begin holding a weekly office hour session to provide updates on the federal BEAD program in MN, the BEAD prequalification process, and answer questions on the registration portal. Office hours will be Tuesdays at 11am and run from January 14 to April 1. Registration is open for the sessions below:  

Please email deed.broadband@state.mn.us with questions on the webinar or office hours.

Governor’s Task Force on Broadband, December meeting recap + 2025 meetings

The Governor’s Task Force met at the Centennial Office Building in St. Paul, MN on Monday January 13, 2025. The Task Force presented recommendations and discussed collaboration in the upcoming year with the Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development Chair, Senator Aric Putnam, and House Agriculture Finance & Policy Co-Chairs, Representative Paul Anderson and Representative Rick Hansen. The Task Force also heard a 2025 legislative preview from DEED’s Government Relations Director, Deven Bowdry, and updates from the Office of Broadband Development on BEAD and Digital Opportunity Updates. More information on this and past meetings can be found on the Broadband Task Force webpage.

The Task Force’s 2024 annual report to the Legislature is also available online.

Quick fact report: 97 percent of Americans say they use the Internet

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High Speed Internet reports…

Understanding how and why we use the internet is vital to making sense of today’s world, and we’ve seen enormous changes over the last few decades. In 2024, more than 97% of Americans say they use the internet—that’s 333.1 million people, up by 51 million since 2015. Still, about 9.78 million Americans don’t use the internet, and more than 5 million households don’t have a computer.

The report is interesting. It’s the sort of thing folks loved when they had to talk to their community about “why we need broadband” or talk a relative into getting online. What you find interesting depends on your day and needs but are some interesting points from the report:

Our readers check their actual internet speeds using our proprietary tools an average of 45,000 times a day, and here’s what we clocked in 2024:

  • The average download speed in the U.S. is 209.01Mbps.

  • The average upload speed in the U.S. is 61.98Mbps.

How long can you live without the internet?

  • 23% said they can go only four hours or less without needing internet access.

  • 19% said they can go only 24 hours or less without needing internet access.

  • 19% of people said 24 hours is the longest they’ve ever gone without accessing the internet