Broadband in rural Minnesota

published 2/16/2007

The availability of broadband in rural Minnesota generally relates to demands from certain age groups and socioeconomic status, according to a soon-to-be- released report by the Center for Rural Policy and Development.

Jack Geller, center president, told the House Telecommunications Regulation and Infrastructure Division that many rural areas in the state do have access to broadband technology, and those that don’t are generally an older age group that don’t use the technology, along with lower incomes that don’t create enough demand for providers to offer the service. But, some areas do in fact have problems with availability, he said.

Additionally, many customers who say they don’t have broadband don’t know they have access because providers don’t advertise. The most cited reason why dial-up customers do not switch to broadband is the price difference.

The report will be available in 30 to 40 days, Geller said.

- Patty Ostberg