In 2019, Gov. Tim Walz set a goal for all Minnesotans to have access to broadband with download speeds of 100 megabits per second by 2026, which would allow two to four internet users per household.
But with four months until the goal’s end date, Mohr is one of many Minnesotans still without that speed.
Experts say the goal isn’t likely to be met, partially because of delays in federal funding.
“Almost every county has a portion that is rural and unserved,” said Sarah Davis, vice president for market development at broadband provider Consolidated Communications. “So, every county has a need.”
While the goals set by the 2019 task force on broadband are outdated, as many speeds are already much faster, the state Office of Broadband Development reported only 88% of residents had those speeds in 2023.
The state also missed its 2022 goal of a slower, 25 megabit download minimum speed for all Minnesotans, as some rural residents still don’t have the lower speed options. Nearly 92% of the state met the 2022 goal in 2023.
In 2024, 90% of the state was served by wireline service and had cables for broadband access rather than fixed wireless, which serves 95% of residents.
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Minnesota Office of Broadband Development Executive Director Bree Maki said the BEAD program has delayed the office’s work.
“We had this big program that we really thought could maximize the state and federal efforts,” Maki said, “and the timing is just taking a little longer than anticipated.”
Davis said she believes the BEAD program’s goal of providing reliable broadband to all Americans over the next four years is possible. But that means some Minnesotans could continue to wait for internet until 2030.