Minnesota Ag Connection - USDA and Minnesota Utility Bring Todd Co. High-Speed Broadband

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USDA and Minnesota Utility Bring Todd Co. High-Speed Broadband
Minnesota Ag Connection - 11/16/2018

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Minnesota Brad Finstad announced more than $2 million to improve e-Connectivity in rural communities.

"Modern infrastructure for e-connectivity is no longer a luxury; it's an essential part of economic growth," Finstad said. "Under the leadership of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett, USDA is dedicated to expanding access to e-Connectivity in rural communities and ensuring continued rural prosperity."

Consolidated Telephone Company is receiving a $2.1 million loan to construct a fiber-to-the-home broadband system that will expand its high-speed service by 250 households, eight businesses and a community center in Todd County. As a result of this project, the community center, located within Moran Township Town Hall, will be able to provide free public access to two computer terminals and a public WiFi network. Additionally, this project will ensure previously underserved residents and businesses better access to improved economic, healthcare, and education e-Connectivity services.

Finstad's announcement is in coordination with Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett's recent announcement that USDA is investing $91 million through its Telecommunications Programs to improve e-Connectivity services in 12 states: Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah and Virginia. The 19 projects will benefit more than 27,000 businesses and households.

According to a 2018 report by the Federal Communications Commission, 80 percent of the 24 million American households who lack reliable, affordable, high-speed internet are in rural areas. USDA's investments in broadband infrastructure are helping transform rural America, providing innovation and technology to increase economic competitiveness and opportunities.

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