More rural residents of Minnesota are getting the chance to experience the benefits of broadband Internet. The $6.6 million Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities program was designed to boost rural broadband by helping people find online resources to better their lives. The recently completed program has already helped 250,000 rural Minnesotans get introduced to online resources for jobs, continuing their education, and strengthening their businesses, reports the Grand Rapids Herald Review, north of Minneapolis.
The program "leveraged resources of coalition partners to extend small business technical assistance and training, distribute refurbished computers to low-income families, train individuals and businesses, and create and deliver courses for knowledge workers," reports the Review. As part of the program 11 communities received $100,000 "to identify and implement nearly 100 projects that fit local broadband needs and helped communities boost their overall ability to participate in the Internet-based economy." In the 11 communities the subscription growth rate for broadband services increased from 10.3 to 15.9 percent.
"The project was funded through a $4.8 million Broadband Technology Opportunity Program grant through the U.S. Department of Commerce as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and $1.8 million in MIRC partner matches. Blandin Foundation administered the grant on behalf of the initiative partners," the Review reports. (Read more)
The program "leveraged resources of coalition partners to extend small business technical assistance and training, distribute refurbished computers to low-income families, train individuals and businesses, and create and deliver courses for knowledge workers," reports the Review. As part of the program 11 communities received $100,000 "to identify and implement nearly 100 projects that fit local broadband needs and helped communities boost their overall ability to participate in the Internet-based economy." In the 11 communities the subscription growth rate for broadband services increased from 10.3 to 15.9 percent.
"The project was funded through a $4.8 million Broadband Technology Opportunity Program grant through the U.S. Department of Commerce as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and $1.8 million in MIRC partner matches. Blandin Foundation administered the grant on behalf of the initiative partners," the Review reports. (Read more)
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