Connect Minnesota Data Represented in the National Broadband Map

Watch: Brian Mefford Remarks on National Map

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Map is significant milestone in charting America’s broadband deployment

St Paul, MN – Today the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) launched the National Broadband Map, which marks an important milestone in building the nation’s broadband infrastructure. The product of an intensive and joint effort of the NTIA, Federal Communications Commission, state governments, industry, and non-profits like Connect Minnesota, the map will be a key tool for the American public and policymakers.

"Broadband is the vital infrastructure to the information economy, but until now, the American public has not had a comprehensive picture about where that infrastructure is robust and where it needs improving," said Brian Mefford, CEO of Connected Nation, the parent organization of Connect Minnesota. "Today's launch of the National Broadband Map is a key milestone, as it will lead to smarter investments, and targeted state and local broadband policies and programs. I'm proud of the role that Connected Nation and our partners at the Minnesota Public Service Commission have played in creating such a powerful tool that will benefit consumers and businesses nationwide."

Connect Minnesota, a non-profit, public-private partnership, has played an instrumental role in developing, gathering data, and verifying data for the National Broadband Map. As the broadband mapping agent for Minnesota, Connect Minnesota has contributed the data of more than 123 broadband service providers and 7,323 community anchor institutions to NTIA.

"Having access to broadband can literally make or break a community's economic future and the welfare of its citizens," continued Mefford. For example, Connect Minnesota surveys have shown that:

• Seven out of ten Minnesota Internet users search for health or medical information online, while 31 percent interact with doctors or healthcare professionals online.
• E-government services are utilized by many Minnesota Internet users - 52 percent report that they search online for information about government services or policies. In addition, 48 percent conduct online transactions with government offices (such as e-filing taxes or filling out forms), 37 percent interact with Minnesota state government offices, 28 percent interact with local government offices, and 25 percent interact with elected officials or candidates online.
• Many Minnesota Internet users go online for educational purposes. Statewide, 46 percent conduct research for schoolwork online, 39 percent interact with teachers online, and 22 percent take classes online.

The National Broadband Map, www.broadbandmap.gov, also offers several tools for analyzing broadband availability by broadband speed and technology. These tools will be critical to important policy debates. For example, last week, the FCC proposed to redirect up to $1 billion in current federal universal service subsidies to areas the map marks as unserved. Similarly, state and local broadband policymakers will use the map to inform infrastructure initiatives, planning projects, and adoption programs.

Semi-annual updates will continue to be made to the Connect Minnesota maps over the next four years. Citizens are encouraged to visit the map and offer feedback to ensure the highest level of accuracy.

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About Connect Minnesota: As a public-private partnership, Connect Minnesota partners with technology-minded businesses, government entities and universities to accelerate technology in the state. The work of Connect Minnesota is made possible by support from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. For more information about what Connect Minnesota is doing to accelerate technology in Minnesota’s communities, visit www.connectmn.org.

About Connected Nation: Connected Nation is the broadband mapping agent in 13 states and territories under the NTIA’s State Broadband Data and Development grant program. This work comprises approximately 42 percent of the country’s landmass and encompasses approximately 39.5 million households. Connected Nation is a national nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization that expands access to and use of broadband Internet and related technologies. Connected Nation effectively raises the awareness of the value of broadband and related technologies by developing coalitions for improving technology availability and use. Connected Nation works with consumers, community leaders, states, technology providers and foundations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to develop and implement technology expansion programs. Connected Nation’s mission is to improve digital inclusion for people and places previously underserved or overlooked. www.connectednation.org.