Ladies of Another View 08.15.23
Carissa Swenson, Executive Director of the Broadband Association of North Dakota (BAND), joins the Ladies to discuss the evolution and significance of broadband internet in North Dakota, leading-edge technology that’s keeping North Dakotans connected.
Swenson begins by defining broadband as a superlative form of internet service, representing the apex of connectivity. She proudly emphasizes North Dakota's leadership in rolling out fiber optic internet to vast portions of the state, a feat that outshines many other regions in the U.S.
A unique aspect of North Dakota's broadband expansion is the vital role played by smaller, independently-owned providers and member-owned cooperatives. According to Swenson, the state has been at the forefront of broadband provision for years, largely due to these BAND cooperatives and independent entities. These organizations are driven by immense state pride and a genuine desire to uplift their communities rather than pure profit.
The investment focus, Swenson highlights, has predominantly been on the underserved rural areas of North Dakota. When consumer fiber optic technology emerged two decades ago, these community-centric cooperatives saw the value and proactively invested in the future, ensuring that even the remotest parts of the state were not left behind.
Contrasting this, Swenson notes the approach of larger internet providers, which prioritize urban, revenue-rich areas. Yet, the dedicated BAND providers are persistently seeking federal and state funding opportunities to ensure universal connectivity. She cites a recent triumph in this endeavor: the sanctioning of grants to fund a massive $120 million fiber broadband project in Eastern North Dakota. This project, undertaken by companies like Halstad Telephone Company, MLGC, Polar Communications, Red River Communications, and BEK Communications Cooperative, will considerably boost connectivity in the state.
In conclusion, Carissa Swenson underscores the resilience and forward-thinking of North Dakota's independent broadband providers, painting a hopeful picture for the state's digital future.
<h2>TAKEAWAYS</h2>
- North Dakota's broadband expansion has been uniquely driven by smaller, independently-owned providers and member-owned cooperatives. These BAND entities prioritize community upliftment over profit, leading to a focus on connecting underserved small-town and rural areas.
- From the advent of consumer fiber optic technology 20 years ago, these North Dakota cooperatives have consistently invested in cutting-edge internet technology. Their forward-thinking approach positions the state as a leader in fiber optic connectivity.
- Despite the impressive strides made, not all North Dakotans have reliable internet. However, with the recent approval of grants funding a $120 million fiber broadband project in Eastern North Dakota, there's significant momentum to ensure universal connectivity across the state.
🛠 TOOLS AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE:
BroadbandND.com
🖇️CONNECT WITH LADIES OF ANOTHER VIEW:
https://www.bek.news/ladiesofanotherview
https://www.facebook.com/LadiesOfAnotherView/
https://twitter.com/loa_view
📺WATCH MORE EPISODES:
https://www.bek.news/ladiesofanotherview/
-
59:24
Ladies of Another View on BEK TV
5 months agoLadies of Another View "My Hometown" Agency Village-03.27.2024
90 -
58:19
The Dan Bongino Show
4 hours agoIs It Going To Happen Again? (Ep. 2334) - 09/23/2024
210K1.25K -
1:04:34
The Rubin Report
1 hour agoPiers Morgan Visibly Shocked When Jordan Peterson Said This About Trump
12.1K23 -
LIVE
Benny Johnson
1 hour ago🚨DOJ Releases Trump Assassination BOUNTY Of $150K to 'Complete The Job' | Feds Trying To KILL Trump
11,902 watching -
LIVE
Trumpet Daily
1 hour agoVindicating Trump: A Conversation With Dinesh D'Souza - Trumpet Daily - September 23, 2024
884 watching -
1:09:36
Steven Crowder
3 hours agoHow Mug Club Undercover just turned New York Red | LIVE from City Hall
144K298 -
31:39
Rethinking the Dollar
1 hour agoFed in Full Panic Mode: The Truth Exposed In The Gold & Silver Price! w/ Paul Stone
386 -
26:46
Breaking Points
2 hours ago9/23/24: LIVE AMA!
16.2K3 -
1:26:10
Graham Allen
4 hours ago5 Assassination Teams For Trump?! Diddy Is On Suicide Watch! + Kamala BOMBS On Oprah!
51.8K119 -
LIVE
Caleb Hammer
20 hours agoPink-Haired Freak Makes Me Lose My Mind | Financial Audit
418 watching