Ann Treacy's blog

Last weekend I took part in the local iteration of the National Hack Day Celebration. I had looked into the Hack Day events beforehand because I had been trying to persuade some rural communities to participate yet I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I attended the event. I thought I’d share the experience in part to persuade other communities to think about this in the future and to persuade more people to think about attending such events – because I thought it was a fun event, worth my time and could lead to some actual products or projects.

A few folks mentioned that the outline of the Office of Broadband Development post was helpful – so I thought I’d try to highlight some other bills in the works, such as HF985 / SF 584, bills that address oversight of telecommunications in the state especially in light of changes in the FCC that are anticipated in 2019.

Pew Internet and American Life released a new report this week on teens’ use of technology and the Internet. I’m always interested in these reports – both because of my obvious interest in broadband but also because after a big birthday in February I am now the proud keeper of two teens. And as of this week they each have an iPhone.

Last week I was on the road with the Blandin Foundation visiting MIRC communities. We stopped in a number of places, including the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Temporary Employment Program. Through MIRC funding, the TEP developed a number of projects, including a computer center and access to digital literacy programs. I have written about the program before – the quick take is that TEP participants now have the opportunity to take digital literacy classes as part of the service that is offered. The lab is also open to other community users.

The Minnesota Broadband Task Force 2012 Annual Report and Broadband Plan was released Tuesday afternoon. Folks have been asking me about what I think about it. So while my opinion is just that and isn’t worth anything more than that – I have attended a lot of these meetings over the years so I’ve been able to see the hours of good work that’s gone into the efforts to bring better broadband to Minnesota. I’d encourage others to voice their opinions too. You could send notes to Connect Minnesota or the Department of Commerce. Or post them here and I’ll do what I can to make sure Task Force gets your notes. I think comments would be welcome as the Task Force plans to focus on specific issues in 2013.