Supporters Tout Broadband Network for Researchers

Fargo, N.D.

Supporters of a high-speed broadband network that connects researchers in a dozen northern states say the system is in good shape despite university budget cutbacks, thanks in part to a new federal initiative.

The Northern Tier Network was established in 2003 to help improve Internet capability in states that lagged behind the rest of the country. It includes universities from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Idaho, Wyoming, Washington and Alaska.

Bonnie Neas, North Dakota State University's vice president for information technology and the state representative to the network, told North Dakota lawmakers Tuesday that research dollars created through the system have boosted many universities that...