March 12, 2025
Connecting North Dakota for a Stronger Tomorrow
The Power of Broadband Across North Dakota
Broadband is a critical driver of North Dakota’s growth, fostering economic opportunity, enhancing quality of life, and ensuring equal access to essential services. Whether in education, healthcare, business, or innovation, high-speed internet empowers individuals and communities, enabling them to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
What would happen in ND if the USF, that supports phone & internet connectivity, went away?
BAND is a non-profit trade association representing the interest of cooperatives and small commercial telecom companies in North Dakota.
114,500
Residential North Dakota homes and farms impacted21,564
Businesses impacted
993
Employees’ jobs would be at risk263,350
People in North Dakota directly impacted1,678
Government offices at risk
This includes township, city, country, state, federal, and tribal government locations
$93M
In total payroll at risk313
Medical Facilities would be directly impacted
+$205
In cost on average added to ND consumer’s internet bill in order to offset this loss of funding
292
Schools impacted
Ultimately, broadband will become unaffordable for consumers in rural areas, and providers will abandon their networks, leaving large areas of ND without phone or internet access.
It would cost the state $5M per year if North Dakota picked up the costs to provide services to the entities in red. This doesn’t include the increase in the cost to provide services to government offices.
395
Fire/ambulance locations impacted59
Libraries impactedStrengthening Connections & Enhancing Quality of Life
Community
Broadband is the foundation of thriving communities, enabling access to essential services, healthcare, and social connections. From telehealth advancements that provide rural residents with life-saving care to local governments improving efficiency and emergency response systems, broadband is transforming how communities operate and grow.
North Dakota Nearing 100 Percent Fiber Connectivity
North Dakota is on the verge of becoming the first U.S. state to achieve near-universal fiber-optic broadband coverage, with plans to utilize $130 million from the federal infrastructure law to connect the remaining approximately 2,000 unserved locations.
Broadband Affordability Gap
A report from EducationSuperHighway outlines the affordability challenges in North Dakota, where 55,004 households have access to broadband but cannot afford it. The report suggests programs to close this gap, such as free Wi-Fi in low-income areas and adoption programs for federal broadband benefits.
Digital Equity Plan
North Dakota’s Digital Equity Plan discusses efforts to address barriers like affordability, digital skills gaps, and accessibility. It highlights initiatives to ensure all residents can participate fully in the digital economy.
Empowering Students & Educators
Education
A strong broadband infrastructure ensures that every student, regardless of location, has access to quality education. High-speed internet enables remote learning, advanced coursework, and virtual collaboration, equipping the next generation for success in an increasingly digital world.
How North Dakota Bridged the COVID-19
Home Access Gap
North Dakota achieved 99.8% home internet access for rural students during the COVID-19 pandemic through strategic long-term planning and inter-agency collaboration.
Broadband for K-12 Education
In July 2019, Dakota Carrier Network (DCN) completed the installation of one-gigabit internet circuits to all K-12 schools in North Dakota, making it the first state in the nation to achieve this milestone.
USDA Investments in Rural Education Connectivity
In January 2020, the USDA invested $23 million in two high-speed broadband infrastructure projects to enhance e-Connectivity for 2,643 rural households and 78 businesses in North Dakota.
Driving Innovation & Economic Opportunity
Technology
As technology evolves, broadband fuels innovation across industries, from precision agriculture to smart infrastructure. Ensuring robust connectivity allows North Dakota to remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy and attract new talent and businesses.
North Dakota’s Broadband Leadership
The USDA’s ReConnect Program funded projects that improved broadband access for educational institutions in rural areas, benefiting 406 households and three schools.
Dakota Carrier Network (DCN)
In 2023, Dakota Carrier Network (DCN) received a $19.7 million grant to help fill broadband gaps in North Dakota. The grant supported efforts to expand high-speed internet access to underserved rural areas, reinforcing North Dakota’s leadership in broadband infrastructure and connectivity.
Broadband Summit 2024
Discussions at this summit outlined how federal funding will support future technology deployments, ensuring North Dakota remains at the forefront of digital innovation.
Boosting Economic Growth & Competitiveness
Business
Businesses large and small rely on broadband to reach customers, enhance operations, and drive growth. Reliable, high-speed internet allows entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses to compete in a global marketplace while fostering job creation and investment in North Dakota.
Economic Impact of Broadband on Agriculture
and Energy Sectors
With robust broadband infrastructure, businesses in agriculture and energy have adopted advanced technologies like precision farming and remote monitoring systems, driving economic growth.
USDA Investments in Business Connectivity
USDA’s $23 million investment in rural broadband has positively impacted 78 businesses by improving connectivity critical for operations and competitiveness.
Broadband as a Utility for Economic Resilience
Broadband is described as essential as water or electricity for rural businesses, enabling them to thrive in a competitive market by accessing e-commerce platforms and global markets.
Why BAND + USF Matter
The Broadband Association of North Dakota (BAND) is at the forefront of ensuring every resident and business has access to world-class broadband infrastructure. However, continued investment through programs like the Universal Service Fund (USF) is critical to sustaining and expanding these efforts. These investments enable North Dakota to remain competitive, provide essential services, and foster economic resilience.
Advocating for North Dakota’s Future
We urge policymakers and stakeholders to support continued broadband investment, ensuring that every North Dakotan—regardless of geography—can thrive in the digital age. By strengthening our broadband infrastructure, we are building a more connected, innovative, and prosperous North Dakota.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
Broadband is essential to North Dakota’s future—now is the time to take action. We need your support to expand and strengthen broadband access across the state. Whether you’re a policymaker, business leader, educator, or resident, your voice matters.
Here’s how you can help:
- Advocate for broadband funding by reaching out to legislators and sharing your story.
- Stay informed by subscribing to updates and learning about broadband policy.
- Support local broadband initiatives to ensure every North Dakotan has access to high-speed internet.
Together, we can create a more connected, innovative, and prosperous North Dakota. Join us in shaping the future today!
Stay Connected
Stay informed and engaged in broadband advocacy. Together, we can ensure North Dakota remains a leader in connectivity and innovation.
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