Dynamics of instituting broadband Internet by rural Minnesota municipalities

The vast quantity of literature regarding development of broadband Internet into communities focuses on the purported improvement of the local economy. This study stands in contrast to those directed at determining the existence of the economic benefits of broadband Internet. The purpose of this study was to understand the phenomena of community culture along with the values and motivation of key leaders of rural Minnesota municipalities which have chosen to install broadband Internet service as a municipal utility. The study addressed the following questions: (a) How significant was the role of a municipality's local leadership in bringing broadband Internet to the community? (b) What partnerships are considered vital to a successful broadband Internet initiative? (c) What was the contribution of county, region, and state government agencies to a municipal broadband Internet effort? To answer the research questions, the study applied grounded theory as the means for establishing which characteristics were dominant in assisting the municipalities in delivery of broadband Internet. The participants interviewed in each community were represented by the following roles: city administrators, economic development directors, public utilities directors, operations managers of municipal telecommunications system, directors of marketing, members of telecommunications commissions, community development directors, and city council members. Data were analyzed qualitatively with three levels of coding applied: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. The findings indicate three major factors drove the broadband Internet initiative in each community. First, each city had a purpose beyond simply wanting to install high-speed Internet service as an end in itself. This purpose was identified in the study as a municipal motivator, unique in its nature within each community, but vital to project success. Second, local leadership played a major role in driving the broadband Internet initiative to completion. Third, local organizations and committees were instrumental in actively demonstrating support for the project. The study also found that none of the municipalities installed broadband Internet as a means for improving the local economy. Also, none of the cities was assisted by other levels of government.