Wifi speeds and legislation in Minnesota

Speed and options are key in a time when internet usage has sky-rocketed as businesses switch to remote working, and schools switch to virtual learning. 

A proposal to provide more broadband funding across Minnesota faces an uncertain future this year as state officials consider how to spend federal virus-related aid.

The Minnesota Senate passed a $27 million broadband bill that relies on federal CARES Act money during the June special session, but the House never took up the bill. Republicans say House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Gov. Tim Walz have held up the bill over political issues, while Democrats say Walz is carefully weighing state spending priorities when it comes to federal COVID-19 funding.

As a result, the state may not get more broadband funding at a time when more Minnesotans are using the internet for work and school, something lawmakers agree will hurt Greater Minnesota over time.

"Rural broadband is a very important issue on par with rural electrification of the United States in the 1930s," said Sen. Nick Frentz, DFL-North Mankato.

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Simplified Communications will review your current usage and provide alternate options. See our recommendations on how to safeguard against slow connectivity and outages. ​