Minnesotans can apply for stimulus funds extending Internet access - Finance and Commerce

In the Twin Cities, high-speed Internet access may be taken for granted. In Cook County, on the north shore of Lake Superior, such access would represent a virtual revolution.

“Broadband services are no longer just a nice thing to have, but rather a basic service, an integral part of the functioning of today’s homes and businesses,” said Danna MacKenzie, Cook County’s information systems director. “We are 110 miles from the nearest college or university, medical specialist, and many government services” – so instantaneous communication would be a vital improvement for health care, education and government service delivery systems...