The term broadband commonly refers to high-speed/high quality Internet, that is always ‘on’ and does not interfere with phone lines (unlike traditional dial-up), and allows more content to be carried through the transmission ‘pipeline’.  While broadband is standard in urban or suburban areas, many statewide rural areas have difficulty offering broadband services to its residents and businesses.  This is due in large part to relatively low population density, topographical barriers, and greater geographical distances.  

 

Minnesota’s broadband goal tied to universal accessibility provides that, “as soon as possible (by 2015), all state residents and businesses have access to high speed broadband that provides minimum download speeds of ten to twenty megabits per second and minimum upload speeds of five to ten megabits per second.”  As of October, 2013, Sherburne County has 32.39% of the population can access broadband at the speed of ten mbps/sec, compared with statewide availability of 74.53%.  

 

Sherburne County, along with several public partners, are collaborating with private sector entities on examining the need for development of broadband infrastructure within the County.  The availability of broadband is considered a key economic development tool, with a number of national studies finding that communities with access to broadband have a competitive advantage over areas that do not.  Business is increasingly done online and the ability to sell to consumers worldwide requires reliable, world-class connections.  

 

In addition, broadband infrastructure enhances the local business environment through education, health care, public safety and emergency response, citizen and social services, workforce development and rural and regional development.

 

One of the first steps of this process is to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the current countywide broadband infrastructure.  During the month of July, Sherburne County invites residents, business owners, and community members to take an online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6FCX33F.  Results of the survey will be tabulated and presented at a community wide meeting set for early fall.

 

Broadband emerged as a leading economic development strategic priority in Sherburne County.  Potential for economic growth in the county will be largely dependent on the accessibility and availability of technology, to include high-speed internet.