The big winner in a 2020 federal auction to build more broadband in rural America was a relatively small company started by a Minnesota entrepreneur. Since then, not much has gone right for the firm or the people waiting for better internet.
The company, LTD Broadband, snared $1.3 billion out of $9.2 billion awarded by the federal government in its most recent program to subsidize rural broadband. It was the biggest award for any company and covered portions of work in 15 states, including Minnesota.
But here and elsewhere, LTD's win has met resistance from other telecom industry players, counties and townships — and some state regulators. They're worried the company won't be able to fulfill its obligations.
