Hannah Yang

Rural counties in Minnesota are competing for better broadband, and have seen the shift in how their communities are viewing the necessity for it. About 90 percent of Minnesota households have a computer statewide, according to the Blandin Foundation, and 81 percent have a laptop; 76 percent have a smartphone and 59 percent have a tablet. But, there are many areas in Minnesota where access to high-speed internet is limited, and working remotely and distance learning have run into problems.