Local counties among those to receive broadband funding

  • 2022-12-22
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently revealed that almost $100m will be given to internet providers throughout the state to expand broadband coverage.

Walz stressed how important this funding, which is the biggest single broadband infrastructure investment in Minnesota’s history, will be. It will connect students in the central part of the state to new education opportunities, as well as expand access to healthcare information and resources, and provide flexibility to workers.

Government agencies often turn to printing services to help them educate the public on how their tax dollars are being spent.

Broadband providers estimate that the money they receive will expand new high-speed internet connection to over 33,000 Minnesota businesses and homes across 48 counties.

Investment priorities include providing internet access to every child, along with providing each with online learning and appropriate hardware training. Another priority is ensuring access to broadband internet remains affordable, along with making training and appropriate hardware available to every Minnesota resident. It is also hoped that the investment will increase digital equity and provide access to healthcare, government services, community resources, jobs, and social connections.

Among the counties receiving funds, ones that will be of the most interest to Princeton residents include Sherburne County ($1,075,945.50 for Tekstar Communications) and Mille Lacs County ($1,594,397.16 to be divided between Savage Communications Inc. and Benton Cooperative Telephone Company). The Benton Cooperative Telephone Company will also be receiving $1,512,951 via Benton County.