While I’ve enjoyed having every third Wednesday free – I’ve missed the Minnesota Broadband Advisory Task Force meetings. It looks like I’ll be missing them a while longer.

As folks may recall from when the Task Force members were selected, the members serve at the pleasure of the Commissioner of the Department of Commerce. Commissioner Glenn Wilson retired earlier this year. The new Commissioner, Mike Rothman, has decided to retrench and form a new Task Force.

There were some signs. The Task Force had planned to meet in February – but the Commissioner asked them to hold off. Now I’ve heard that the Commissioner will be inviting interested folks to apply to the new Task Force later this spring. The past Task Forces have set the stage for success. The original Task Force came up with a report that provides goals and strategies to move Minnesota forward; the latest Task Force came up with a nice format and sources to go for more information.

While I’m sad to see any lost time when it comes to broadband – this may be an opportunity for greater diversity in the Task Force. I will keep an eye out for the official announcement and I encourage folks with an interest in broadband to apply. First, I encourage folks in rural areas to apply. Second, I encourage folks with deep pockets of expertise to apply. For example, it would be nice to have a security expert on board.

As the FCC makes decisions and starts to implement the National Broadband Plan, I think there will be opportunities for states that are paying attention to make a difference and/or benefit from the National Broadband Policy – it would be nice to have selected a Task Force with the expertise to help take advantage of any opportunities.

Quick note based on question received since the post: They are not looking for applicants yet. We will probably get word in a month or so about the opportunity.