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<br />14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North, Hugo, MN 55038 • (651) 762-6300 • www.ci.hugo.mn.us <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />December 5, 2023 <br />Executive Director Bree Maki <br />Office of Broadband Development <br />Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development <br />332 Minnesota Street <br />Suite E-200 <br />St. Paul, MN 55101 <br /> <br />Dear Executive Director Maki: <br /> <br />At its meeting on December 4, 2023, the Hugo City Council approved this letter of support for a <br />Minnesota Broadband Grant Application by Comcast to provide high-speed broadband service in the City <br />of Hugo. Comcast is committed to the expansion of high-performance broadband offerings to the areas of <br />the City of Hugo that do not have access to the internet, and we hereby support Comcast’s application to <br />make another significant investment to build its broadband network to the eligible areas of the City. <br /> <br />Affordability of high-speed broadband service is a priority for the City of Hugo. The Internet Essentials <br />program provided by Comcast, and its participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program, <br />demonstrates the Company’s commitment to ensuring that everyone is connected regardless of income. <br />Comcast’s Internet Essentials program ensures that cost does not shut out any of our residents to the <br />benefits of high-speed broadband, whether it be for distance learning, remote working, telehealth, a <br />connection to services, and so much more. <br /> <br />In addition to affordable internet options, Comcast will offer the same robust suite of services that it <br />offers to nearby communities at the same prices. That means providing the residents of the City more <br />speed offerings at a competitive price and a network that provides increased capabilities. Comcast’s <br />comprehensive connectivity experience means their customers are connected to a powerful network built <br />to deliver internet at home that is both reliable and secure. Now, more than ever, staying connected to a <br />high quality, reliable network that includes an affordability internet option, is vitally important to our <br />community. <br /> <br />For these reasons, the City of Hugo recommends Comcast’s application for funding to deploy a future- <br />proof network that will increase the broadband service speed offerings for currently underserved residents <br />and offer affordable, high-speed broadband services for all. <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br />Bryan J. Bear <br />City Administrator <br />