The Minnesota Senate on Friday unanimously approved legislation to distribute $27 million of emergency rural broadband funding to unserved areas of Minnesota. The outbreak of COVID-19 has emphasized the importance of improving broadband access, particularly in rural communities that lack high-speed internet for education, remote work, and telemedicine – areas that have all been heavily impacted by the coronavirus The Senate’s bill increases economic vitality and quality of life for Minnesotans without depleting a general fund that is already stretched thin.

“Broadband is no longer a luxury; in the 21st Century, it is absolutely necessary for our daily lives,” said Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester). “All of our students are distance learning.  Broadband brings their education to the kitchen table. Telemedicine is more crucial as we can access simple medical care when and where we need it. But there are too many communities in Greater Minnesota that can’t participate in our new COVID reality because they are blocked by the most basic barrier to entry: high-speed internet access. I was proud to support the Senate’s bill that will help bring vital broadband access to more unserved areas.”

The compromise calls for $15 million to be designated in 2020 to a “distance learning broadband access grant program” for students lacking Internet access this fall. $2 million will go towards reimbursing licensed healthcare providers who invest in and install telemedicine equipment for COVID-19-related care.

The Border to Border Broadband Fund, which targets the development of broadband in unserved and underserved areas, is a significant recipient of funds in the bill and will provide substantial help for businesses, telecommuting, and distance learning. The program will receive $10 million of the $27 million appropriation. All projects will be up and running by the end of 2020, meaning guaranteed fast access for outstate communities.