Connect Minnesota Launches Powerful Interactive App for Improving Statewide High-Speed Internet

BroadbandStat, an interactive state mapping resource, puts the latest information on the broadband landscape directly at your fingertips. Connect Minnesota, which operates as a nonprofit in the state, is a subsidiary of Connected Nation and has served as the state's broadband entity.

Brian Mefford, CEO of Connected Nation, said Minnesota is a national leader in broadband expansion and it has helped create awareness across the country.

“We are proud to support the effort through this new mapping app that empowers citizens, businesses, community developers, and policy makers to make informed plans for high-speed Internet expansion in their communities,” he said. 

The maps represent the coverage areas of 93 Minnesota broadband providers. The new map confirms that approximately 84,391 households are still without any broadband service option at all. Of those, 78,848 are in rural communities - excluding mobile and satellite services. 

Starting this year, Connect Minnesota will expand the availability of broadband in institutions such as hospitals, schools and libraries. 

In December, Connect Minnesota was awarded a  $1.7 million grant under the State Broadband Data and Development program within the Recovery Act, which passed in early 2009. The funding will allow the state to conduct planning efforts over a period of five years while maintaining a detailed map of existing broadband service over two years. 

For more information: connectmn.org