Broadband and Minnesota Diane Wells, MN Dept. of Commerce Bill Hoffman, Connect Minnesota
Overview of Broadband Activity: Task Forces Mapping ARRA Funding CenturyLink Merger Commitments Federal Initiatives CAF Mobility Fund FirstNet Local Initiatives
2008-2009 Task Force Required by Statute Appointed by Governor 23 Members Met for 16 Months 2010 Task Force Appointed by Commissioner 15 Members Met for 5 Months Current Task Force Required by Executive Order Appointed by Governor 15 Members Began meeting in November 2011
237.012 BROADBAND GOALS. Subdivision 1.Universal access and high-speed goal. It is a state goal that as soon as possible, but no later than 2015, all state residents and businesses have access to highspeed broadband that provides minimum download speeds of ten to 20 megabits per second and minimum upload speeds of five to ten megabits per second. Subd. 2.State broadband leadership position. It is a goal of the state that by 2015 and thereafter, the state be in: (1) the top five states of the United States for broadband speed universally accessible to residents and businesses; (2) the top five states for broadband access; and (3) the top 15 when compared to countries globally for broadband penetration.
History & Mission History: Connect Minnesota is a state-based non-profit subsidiary of Connected Nation, a national 501(c)(3) organization. Our first work in Minnesota began in 2008, mapping state broadband availability. Connect Minnesota was named the state s designated entity for federal grant funding under NTIA s State Broadband Initiative (SBI) grant program in 2009; Funding for the program will continue through December 2014. All broadband availability data collected under the program is supplied to the FCC for inclusion on the National Broadband Map, and will be used as a means of reforming the way federal Universal Service Fund (USF) dollars are distributed. Mission: To support economic development across the state by assessing broadband availability, adoption, and utilization on an ongoing basis. To educate and inform policy makers and stakeholders through our mapping, research and analysis. To partner with public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders on efforts to expand broadband availability, adoption, and utilization.
Primary Program Components Data Collection & Mapping: Work with providers and the public to create, validate, and update granular statewide maps that accurately depict broadband availability on an ongoing basis, with updates available every six months Survey and Research: Conduct in-depth survey research and analysis on broadband adoption and utilization among Minnesota residences and businesses, with results benchmarked over time Planning: Provide support to the Minnesota Department of Commerce Office of Broadband Development and the Minnesota Broadband Task Force through detailed analyses of: 1) all collected availability and adoption data 2) broadband-related public policy developments Program Development: Establish partnerships at the local and state levels to promote and/or launch sustainable initiatives to impact broadband adoption and utilization, including digital literacy and computer ownership
My ConnectView www.connectmn.org > Learn > Interactive Map Key Functions/Features: View last mile broadband availability by platform type Identify of broadband providers at a specific address or point Analyze unserved areas using population and household density data by Census Block View physical location and broadband connection information for the state s community anchor institutions (CAIs) Provide direct feedback to the Connect Minnesota s mapping and data collection teams, including screenshots Draw and type on the map to highlight areas of interest Print, e-mail, and bookmark customized views
Web Site Overview and Demonstration: County Resources
CenturyLink Broadband Merger Commitments (MNPUC) $50 million investment over 5 years One-third of investment to unserved or underserved
CenturyLink Internet Basics Program (FCC) Internet service for $9.95/month where broadband available Limited to 12 months Low income eligibility (qualify for Lifeline) Netbook for $150 and free training Comcast Internet Essentials Program (FCC) Internet Service for $9.95/month For households with students qualifying for free lunch program Will offer while student remains in school and until graduates high school $150 computer and free training
Thank You! diane.wells@state.mn.us whoffman@connectmn.org