Blandin Proposes Broadband Vision For All Minnesotans

Blandin Foundation, Grand Rapids, proposed a new broadband vision that all Minnesotans should have affordable gigabit broadband available by 2010.

"We are proposing this vision to ensure a high quality-of-life and a globally competitive future for Minnesota residents, businesses and communities," Bernadine Joselyn, director of public policy and engagement for Blandin Foundation, said at the Rural Summit at St. John's University. "We are seeking commitment to making the necessary investment through public and private partnerships to becoming a world leader in the universal deployment and use of ultra-high-speed next generation broadband. Our competition is no longer Wisconsin and Iowa, but the Pacific Rim and elsewhere, where availability of ultra-high-speed broadband far outpaces Minnesota."

To promote awareness and support for the vision, the foundation is convening a statewide conference in November, which will look at Minnesota's broadband policies and utilization in a global context. The foundation will layer mass communications with more targeted marketing communication strategies and engage in highly personalized communications, including meetings with state legislators, local officials and community organizations; presentations to influential organizations; and other high-impact communications.

 For more information about the broadband vision, visit www.blandinfoundation.org.

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