Rick Utech talks about Wi-Fi in Todd County for the Blandin Foundation on webinar on Expanding Wi-Fi Access to Your Community

1. Rick Utech, Executive Director
Todd County Development Corporation

2. Todd County Development Corporation will
establish ten public Wi-Fi hotspot locations
in Todd County by the end of October
2013. Our project is providing technical
and financial assistance to public and
private sector participants for one year.
This project was made possible through
assistance of a Blandin Foundation
“Broadband Innovation Grant”.

3.  Assist in creating ten new public Wi-Fi
hotspot locations in communities across
Todd County.
 Provide technical and financial assistance to
our participants for one year.
 Provide greater access to under served areas.
 Enhance economic opportunities created for
business through Wi-Fi.
 Reduce connection barriers for all people.

4.  Nine participant agreements are in place.
- Three restaurants
- Two coffee shops
- Four community locations
 Six of these participant locations are up and
running.
 Three are working with their internet
provider.
 One location is pending.

5.  Increased use by citizens and area visitors
who take advantage of the free public Wi-Fi
locations.
 Increased opportunities for business through
customer traffic and sales.
 Area attractions are enhanced by providing
public Wi-Fi to citizens and visitors.
 Retention of these public Wi-Fi hotspot
locations after year one is complete.

6.  Through promotion of this program, we have
experienced an increase in non-participating
businesses offering free public Wi-Fi service.
 As part of the original project, we are hosting
Ecommerce/technology workshops for area
business and community members .

7. Contact Information:
Rick Utech, Executive Director
Todd County Development Corporation
347 Central Avenue, Suite 1
320-732-2128
rick.utech@co.todd.mn.us