Last week I posted the annual MN County Broadband Profiles. They are an opportunity for folks to see what’s happening in their community, what they can expect in terms of broadband and where they might need help. Someone asked me about how they could best use them. So, I came up with some ideas to share depending on how your county is doing and what your role might be. Aside from the first idea, the assumption is that improving broadband is part of your job or that you work for local government. If you don’t, you add “talk to your local government connections (County Commission/City Council/Town Board) about…”

Often broadband improvement comes down to a passionate champion and that champion doesn’t always work at City Hall. Or often the passionate person at the County needs an outsider to help make the case.

Are you Green?

• Thank your County Commission and/or local providers. (They will appreciate it!)

Are you Yellow or Green but not completely covered? (Do you have a few households that still need help?)

• Look at the expected BEAD support to see if it is likely to help. It’s listed in the Profile. (Did you get enough funding? Will it fund connections you want?
• Look into Line Extensions. The MN Office of Broadband Development plans to open another round but it will likely happen soon.

Are you Red? (Do you have more than a few households that need help?)

• Look at the counties that are similar to yours and are doing well. Contact their Broadband Leads, Economic Developers or County Commissioners for advice.
• Look at counties, cities and towns near you. Would they be willing to partner with you? Or maybe there’s a regional resource? Contact their Broadband Leads, Economic Developers or County Commissioners for information and opportunities.
• Look at the providers that serve areas near you. It is often easier for a provider to expand to contiguous areas. Contact them to see if they are looking to expand.
• Look at providers who serve many other areas.

For everyone.

• Look for grant or low interest loan opportunities.
• Pay attention to the MN Legislature see if funding for broadband comes up.
• If broadband is important to you, just share the information.