SAINT PAUL, Minn. – A day after officially taking the majority in the Minnesota House of Representatives, House DFLers rolled out the Minnesota Values Agenda, containing the first ten bills to be introduced in the session. These bills are based in part on the Minnesota Values Plan released in September.
Among these bills is legislation from Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL – International Falls) to expand high-speed broadband internet access with a $70 million investment over two years in the state’s Border to Border Broadband Program.
“Broadband is more important today than ever before and will play an increasingly important role in the lives of Minnesotans for decades to come,” Rep. Ecklund said. “While significant progress has been made, we still have work to do to make sure all Minnesotans have access to high-speed connections. Expanding broadband expands educational opportunities through programs like distance learning, enables our great Minnesota businesses to compete in today’s global economy, and helps people stay in touch with health care providers to receive care and monitor their health conditions. Future technologies will rely on high-speed connections as well.”
A lack of available fast, reliable broadband remains a significant barrier toward taking full advantage of education opportunities, building strong regional economies, and helping advance crucial state industries like agriculture and health care. Rep. Ecklund noted that at his International Falls residence, both he and his wife cannot access the internet simultaneously on separate computers.
The Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program is a competitive program providing matching grants for internet providers to expand access across the state. The Minnesota Broadband Taskforce has recommended an ongoing biennial appropriation of $70 million to meet the state’s speed goals. In 2017, under Republican control, the Legislature appropriated just $20 million toward the grant program and delivered nothing in 2018.
Especially throughout rural Minnesota, many areas are either underserved or completely unserved by high-speed broadband. According to the taskforce’s 2018 report, just 79.26 percent – compared to 90.77 percent statewide – have access to speeds of 25 Mbps down and 3Mbps up. For 100 Mbps down and 20 Mbps up – the state statutory goal for full service – performance is considerably worse, with only 58.99 percent of households in Greater Minnesota having internet access at these speeds.
In total since 2014, there has been $85.2 million in state funding, leveraging $110.6 million in matching local and/or private investments to make service available to more than 34,000 households, 5,200 businesses and 300 community institutions across Minnesota.
Rep. Ecklund encourages constituents to contact him on any issue. He can be reached at the Capitol by phone at 651-296-2190 or email at rep.rob.ecklund@house.mn.