Morningstar reports...

Residents and small businesses across Minnesota are urging local leaders to remove barriers to expanded fiber internet access.

Residents and businesses across many north metro communities are calling on local leaders to remove permitting barriers that continue to delay fiber internet construction. Gateway Fiber, an industry-leading fiber internet service provider, is receiving overwhelming support from community members who want access to faster, more reliable internet service before winter weather halts construction. Without timely action, thousands of homes and businesses could face another year of waiting for expanded broadband choice as certain municipalities continue to impose permitting demands that exceed established requirements and unnecessarily stop broadband deployment. …

To raise awareness and encourage community engagement, Gateway Fiber shared the petition with prospective customers in Blaine, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, Maple Grove and four other cities where thousands of homes are being affected by the permitting delays. Within 72 hours, nearly 500 residents and business owners signed the petition, urging local officials to allow construction to move forward and expand access to high-speed fiber internet.