Here’s the news from our latest newsletter. It’s mostly a compilation of Minnesota-related stories from the blog in the last month – but sometimes it’s nice to have it compiled.
The NOFA is out!
The NTIA and RUS released the NOFA (Notice of Funding Availability) for broadband stimulus funding on July 1 as promised. http://tinyurl.com/qgqt6n Applications are due August 14, 2009 and will be reviewed using a 2-stage process. Details are outlined in the NOFA. The NTIA and RUS are having workshops for applicants; a workshop has been scheduled in St Paul on July 21. http://tinyurl.com/o2jp6z
Minnesota Broadband Maps are out!
Connect Minnesota released an updated version of the Minnesota broadband maps just in time to be useful in helping the state prepare applications to the NTIA and RUS. http://tinyurl.com/pu6ga7 Indication of serving un- and underserved areas is a factor for the applications the will be of interest to the federal funders.
Foundations and the ARRA
Bernadine Joselyn from the Blandin Foundation joined a group assembled by the National Council of Foundations for a meeting at the White House. They were asked to come prepared to respond to the question: “How can the administration best partner with rural leaders?” Learn more about what she learned and what she shared with the White House staff. http://tinyurl.com/qlycw2
Blandin wins EDAM Award
In June, the Blandin Foundation won EDAM’s Economic Development Technology Initiative award for their work with the Blandin Broadband Initiative, which has stimulated broadband deployment and increased effective use of those networks in rural Minnesota. http://tinyurl.com/o5y3tx
Broadband Task Force in Grand Rapids
The Ultra High-Speed Broadband Task Force met in Grand Rapids in June. http://tinyurl.com/n8joa6 It was a good opportunity for the local community to get involved. In fact several members of the public spoke at the meeting (videos available on the Blandin on Broadband blog http://tinyurl.com/n8joa6); most of those speakers had attended a workshop on broadband policy held by the Blandin Foundation the afternoon preceding the Task Force meeting. The Task Force also got a lot of work done as they continue to work on their recommendations for the Minnesota Legislature. Their next stops will be in Mankato on July 17, and August 20 in Fergus Falls. http://tinyurl.com/oqa75m
Local Broadband News
Duluth
Verizon Wireless created a tracking system to help race fans receive periodic runner updates through a text message or an e-mail throughout Grandma’s Marathon. http://tinyurl.com/oogchy
Lake County
Lake County has been moving forward with their plans for a countywide fiber network. In the latest step, they have submitted an RUS Loan application. http://tinyurl.com/o3brm7
Minneapolis
The Institute for Local Self Reliance has unveiled a new web site that features news, reports and case studies that illustrate how communities can ensure that they get the broadband they want and need. http://tinyurl.com/qwh4js
Monticello
The ongoing fiber saga in Monticello has been resolved. First the Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the City and the Minnesota Supreme Court denied TDS’ petition for further review. The City will move forward with their fiber network plans. http://tinyurl.com/qyh2ks
Red Wing
Red Wing promotes a policy of installing broadband conduits at the same time that roads are being torn up. http://tinyurl.com/qxdky2
St. Cloud
A family saves $175 a month with online coupons. http://tinyurl.com/q6ngz5
St. Paul (and State)
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is backing off their request that Minnesota Internet Service Providers block known gambling sites. http://tinyurl.com/odo7fb
Coleman’s Corner
The broadband world is hopping this summer and I am trying to keep up with all that is going on here in Minnesota and on the national and international scenes. Here is a bit from my world –
• The federal broadband NOFA is out and I am trying to figure out what it means for our Blandin application and other prospective MN projects.
• As we prepare our Blandin application for stimulus funds, we are beginning our search for a number of demonstration communities. If your community has your schools, businesses, health care providers and government on board with a push to use technology for problem solving, then we are interested in talking with you about becoming a demonstration community.
• Our broadband policy seminar, held in conjunction with the state broadband task force meeting in Grand Rapids, was a great success. An excellent audience, a sophisticated discussion on the range of broadband issues and great input to the state task force members in attendance combined together for regional consensus building. Our next seminars are July 16 in Mankato and August 21 in Fergus Falls. Make sure that your regional voice is developed and heard by the state task force. Their report to the legislature is due in November.
• Regional broadband discussions are breaking out all over the state – western, northwestern and northeastern Minnesota each have groups continuing or beginning their efforts to understand and impact broadband development and use.
• Broadband advocacy groups and federal policy makers are engaging in discussions that will have lasting impact on our broadband future and global competitiveness.
• I continue to research and to be impressed with the work being done around the world by communities recognized as Intelligent Communities (www.intelligentcommunity.org) The Eindhoven region of the Netherlands is especially impressive. Continuing their tradition as a port city (both water and air), they now market themselves as the “Brainport” and as a broadband laboratory for new technology applications. Fredericton, New Brunswick is another place to check out.
Enjoy the summer, but do not let it pass by without some efforts to improve your community’s broadband efforts!
