New rules could jeopardize rural broadband initiative

Ana Radelat

MinnPost

When the president of a trade association representing Minnesota’s telecom industry was asked how many of his members would participate in a $652 million federal program aimed at providing internet access, he was quick to respond.

“Zero,” said Brent Christensen, president and CEO of Minnesota Telecom Alliance.

His group represents 70 companies that provide advanced telecommunications services, including wireless video and high-speed internet, to Minnesota’s metropolitan and rural communities. Many of the smaller companies in his organization already operate in hard-to-reac...