Governor Mark Dayton’s stated goal is “border-to-border” high speed Internet access throughout Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Commerce is working to implement that goal on several fronts. Please note: the Department of Commerce does not regulate the provision of Internet service.

What is Broadband?

The term “broadband” refers to a high-speed Internet connection, one that can transfer information (like web pages) at rates far faster than dial-up modems.

Broadband service in Minnesota is delivered in several ways: through fiber/coaxial networks of cable providers; DSL service over the telephone network; optical fiber to the home or business; mobile and fixed wireless systems; and satellite connections.

Broadband Development Office

A Broadband Development Office has been created within the Department of Commerce to help Minnesota residents identify broadband options available to them. The Broadband Development Office also provides assistance to the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband (created by Executive Order #27) and the Governor’s Broadband Subcabinet.

If you have questions or concerns about broadband in Minnesota, contact our Broadband Development Office at Broadband.Commerce@state.mn.us or 651-296-9100.

Governor’s Broadband Subcabinet

The Department of Commerce is also the lead agency for the Governor’s Broadband Subcabinet, which includes the Minnesota Office of Enterprise Technology (OET) and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The subcabinet is tasked with collaborating on state government-wide broadband policies.

Governor’s Task Force on Broadband

The Governor’s Task Force on Broadband is charged with developing policies to promote the expansion of broadband access in Minnesota. The Task Force will develop an action plan for identifying and correcting disparities in access and adoption of Broadband in all Minnesota communities – urban, rural, and suburban. That action plan will help ensure that residential homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses have access to the technology and information resources they need to thrive in a global economy.

Broadband Mapping

The Department of Commerce, through the Broadband Development Office, has also developed a working partnership with Connect Minnesota to collaborate on broadband development statewide. ConnectMN has received federal funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to map broadband availability across the state, conduct research on technology usage and barriers to broadband adoption, and work to improve broadband availability across the state.

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If you have questions or concerns about broadband in Minnesota, please contact us via email at broadband.commerce@state.mn.us or by phone at (651) 296-9100.