Will the U.S. increase access to faster, cheaper Internet?

Jean Menden
Jean Menden points out a jewelry-making video highlighting her work on a public television show on her laptop with newly installed fiber-optic cable that began delivering ultra-fast broadband to her rural Boyd, Minn., home.
Jim Mone/AP

President Obama hopes his latest executive action will make internet access cheaper and faster across the country.

The White House "plans to file a letter with the Federal Communications Commission to end restrictions in 19 states that it believes are holding back broadband advances," reports The Verge. "It also plans to push a grants and loans program for rural carriers to supply subsidized broadband, as well as form a 'Broadband Opportunity Council' whose job it will be to 'promote greater coordination' among various government organizations."

Christopher Mitchell, director of the Community Broadband Networks Initiative with the Institute for Local Self Reliance, attended the address and joins The Daily Circuit to discuss the future of high-speed internet. Danna Mackenzie, executive director of the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development, also joins the discussion to talk about the state's effort.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.