Border-to-border high speed Internet access is the goal throughout Minnesota. The Broadband Office connects communities, policy-makers, providers, regional support organizations, and state and federal programs with each other and the resources they need to improve broadband access and use in Minnesota.
Minnesota Broadband Plan 2017-2022
The term broadband refers to Internet connections that can transfer data and information (like web pages) at high speeds. Broadband service in Minnesota is delivered through the fiber and coaxial networks of cable providers; DSL service over the telephone network; optical fiber to the home or business; mobile and fixed wireless systems; and satellite connections.
The Border-to-Border Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program funds, through legislative appropriation, the expansion of broadband service to areas of Minnesota that are unserved or underserved. The focus of this grant program is to provide state resources that help make the financial case for new and existing providers to invest in building broadband infrastructure. More information on the grant program can be found under the Broadband Grant Program page.
The Walz-Flanagan Administration created a Governor’s Task Force on Broadband in Executive Order 19-10. The Task Force is a multi-stakeholder body that advises the executive and legislative branches on broadband policies, including strategies for achieving the state broadband goals, comprehensive assessment of digital inclusion issues and gaps, and strategies for unlocked the benefits of universal access to broadband for all communities in Minnesota. The Task Force consists of 15 members, meets approximately monthly and issues an annual report. More information, and reports issued by the task force, can be found on the Broadband Task Force page.
The Broadband Development Office annually maps broadband availability across the state. Information on broadband availability can be found under the Maps and Data page.
