Minnesota’s DEED Office of Broadband Development visited Two Harbors for a listening session

Having reliable internet can vary depending on location and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Office of Broadband is getting input from residents on the issue.

Representatives have traveled throughout different cities and towns seeking public feedback on the state’s digital opportunity program draft plan. On Tuesday, they visited Two Harbors to discuss ways to reduce gaps in broadband access.

The Digital Equity Grant Administrator for the Office of Broadband Development for DEED, Megan Moundry, shares some of the questions that she and her coworkers are asking residents and community members.

“We’re looking at things like affordability, sustainability, do people have the digital skills that they need to use the devices that they have access to? Do they have the devices that they need to have access to? So, it really depends on the individual person or the household. What are their needs, and are those needs being met? “

Throughout their previous stops around the state, there are common things that residents are sharing, and some have a lot in common. “Some individuals don’t have the infrastructure when it comes to infrastructure for these services. People have been waiting for up to fifteen years for infrastructure. Beyond that, we’ve had a good amount of professionals, whether governmental or nongovernmental community services professionals who share with us the need for digital navigators. Those are people that teach skills one to one with communities or public people who need digital and broadband help.”

The department has a full draft Digital Opportunity Plan that people can read. The draft expand on the state’s background of the Opportunity Plan. Individuals can also share their feedback about the plan online until September 29th. Click here to learn more and submit a public comment.

The representatives have five more stops scheduled left with their next one being in Deer River on Wednesday.