Blandin Broadband Communities
Connecting the East Range
Since 2019, ERJPB has partnered with the Blandin Foundation to close the broadband gap for East Range homes and businesses — funding real projects, one community at a time.
Minnesota's statewide goal
Universal access & high-speed broadband
The Minnesota Legislature has set clear goals in statute to guide the state's broadband development through 2026: no later than 2022, all Minnesota businesses and homes have access to broadband with minimum download speeds of at least 25 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 3 Mbps; and no later than 2026, all Minnesota businesses and homes have access to at least one provider offering download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 20 Mbps.
About the program
Broadband has revolutionized business, government, education, work, and lifestyles. Without robust access and a fully technologically literate population, rural communities can't take advantage of what next-generation internet makes possible.
Since 2003, the Blandin Community Broadband Program has engaged at local, state, and federal levels to sustain policies that support rural broadband access. The Blandin Broadband Communities (BBC) program is an intensive, two-year partnership between rural Minnesota communities and the foundation: selected communities work through a proven process to define technology goals, measure current access and use, and pursue technical assistance and resources to meet those goals. Each BBC can apply to Blandin for matching grants — around $75,000 total — for locally developed projects over the two-year period.
Made possible with funding support from the Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) and St. Louis County, the Iron Range cohort of Blandin Broadband Communities (2019–2020) includes the East Range Joint Powers Board, Laurentian Chamber of Commerce, Tower Economic Development Authority, and Iron Range Tourism Bureau.
Funded BBC projects to date
The East Range Broadband team submitted these projects to Blandin for funding approval.
East Range Ongoing Broadband Capacity-Building
East Range Joint Powers Board
Continued facilitation of the Laurentian/Tower/East Range (LTE) broadband committee and its subcommittee, plus exploration of projects that cross community boundaries — including a possible joint project spanning the City of Biwabik and Biwabik Township.
Tech Equipment & Internet Access
Ranger Snowmobile / ATV Club
A computer, printer, and software for trail management reporting, cell phone boosters for trail groomers' safety in remote locations, and a year of internet access to improve communications.
Public Safety Building SMART Board
Hoyt Lakes Fire & EMS
An interactive wall-mounted SMART Board to replace a failing projector, used for the East Range Police, Fire, and EMS Departments' mandatory continuing-education trainings.
Business Digital Marketing Training & Tech Audits
ERJPB Staff, Northeast MN SBDC
One-on-one technology and marketing platform audits for business owners, addressing a lack of resources for improving online presence identified in an earlier East Range broadband survey.
BBC & LTE Facilitation, Training & Management
ERJPB Staff
Support for ERJPB staff guiding the BBC's activities, including attendance at the 2019 Blandin Broadband Conference and facilitation of the LTE feasibility study committee.
Portable Training Lab
Sue Sowers & educational partners
A portable technology training lab making classes more accessible in libraries, community centers, senior centers, and town halls across the East Range communities.
ERJPB Website
ERJPB Staff
Enhancing what was then a basic landing page into a centralized point for community information, raising awareness of broadband issues and giving broader visibility to ERJPB's staff, services, and mission.
Business Retention & Expansion Visits
ERJPB Staff
Targeted visits soliciting business input on broadband familiarity, use, and needs — strengthening the case for greater East Range connectivity and engagement with the BBC process.
Palo Volunteer Fire Dept. Technology Initiative
Palo Volunteer Fire Department
A laptop and hotspot-equipped tablet for mapping, GPS, and documentation on emergency calls, plus a new desktop system and printer/fax/copier for department training.
Police Squad Car Technology
East Range Police
Upgraded, standardized laptops across squad cars to increase efficiency, communication, and response time serving the East Range communities.
Communication Technology Upgrade
Mesabi East Schools
Upgraded television screens and technology throughout Mesabi East's facility, keeping students, employees, and visitors current on school and community events.
WiFi on School Buses
Mesabi East Schools
WiFi access on four school buses, giving students access to school-issued iPads on longer trips, athletic events, and daily transportation.
Ambulance Technology
Hoyt Lakes Ambulance Service
Updated technology keeping pace with St. Louis County's Computer Automated Dispatch (CAD) system, for timely, informed emergency response.
EMS Training Laptop
Hoyt Lakes Ambulance Service
An updated training laptop for Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Advanced Medical Life Support, Prehospital Trauma Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support — refreshed biannually.
STEM Kits & STEM Kits To Go
Hoyt Lakes Library
App download help, coding, and robotics basics at the library or at home via take-home kits — developed with Age to Age to foster interest in tech for all ages.