Arvig will begin construction this spring on an upgrade project to bring last-mile fiber connectivity to 446 structures in eight Minnesota counties.
Arvig was recently awarded grants totaling $3.4 million from the state’s Broadband Line Extension program after submitting successful lowest-cost bids to serve the locations. Arvig will invest another $442,000 to cover the remaining project costs, bringing the grand total of the project to $3.87 million. Upon completion later this year, 104.3 route miles of new fiber infrastructure will have been constructed.
The locations and number of structures to be served are:
Keep Our Communities Connected (KOCC) and the Schools, Health, and Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition launched the “Future of Universal Service Fund (USF) Reform Task Force” on Friday, April 10, 2026. This cross-sector initiative aims to inform ongoing bipartisan and bicameral policy debates on the long-term sustainability of universal service programs that support broadband access for schools, libraries, rural communities, health providers, and low-income households. Chairing the Task Force are former FCC Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Rachelle Chong.
The Task Force aims to operate on a consensus basis over the summer, focusing on:
Stabilizing USF Programs: Evaluating policy options, including long-term funding predictability and sustainability, the role of appropriations, contribution models, and accountability measures.
Broadening the Coalition: Engaging a diverse ecosystem of leaders from public interest advocacy organizations, telecommunication and trade associations, and academia.
Operationalizing the Sustainability: Translating abstract policy goals into a final set of principles and recommendations to guide the Congressional Universal Service Fund Working Group.
The Task Force will conclude its work with a public announcement of its findings and a convening in Washington, D.C. to present a forward-looking roadmap for universal service connectivity.
Video from Sen Klobuchar – working on accurate maps and making sure subgrantees get the work done or that funding gets passed to another. Talking about ReConnect. Improving the high cost program.
Video from Sen Smith – need to change speed goals.
9:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Keynote Address: Julie Tesch, President & CEO, Center for Rural Policy & Development
Discussion:
Recently got broadband at home and it has made a big difference
Broadband and high speed internet is practical hope
Rural is doing fine – talking about Ben Winchester’s brain gain
Rural needs better infrastructure if towns are going to grow: housing, water, broadband
Doing a rural road show later this year
9:30 – 10:00 a.m. Panel 1: National Broadband Perspective: Insights from Leading Associations
Panelists will explore what they are seeing nationwide: funding pressures, supply chain and workforce trends, changing federal guidance, and the evolving role of cooperatives, rural ISPs, and community-based providers.
Moderator: Teresa Ferguson, Sr Director Broadband and Infrastructure Funding, NRTC
Panelists: Rick Cimerman, Vice President External and State Affairs Lead, NCTA Joshua Seidemann, VP Policy and Industry Innovation, NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association Brian O’Hara, Senior Director Regulatory Affairs – Broadband, NRECA Derrick Owens, Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs, WTA – Advocates for Rural Broadband
Discussion:
MN is unique because lots of providers got BEAD funds. BEAD is about finishing the job.
How quickly can we move forward?
The fear with BEAD is that some communities will be left behind.
Areas with better broadband had 213% business growth over others
Areas where folks thought broadband was strong people felt good about workforce; not true with areas that didn’t feel good about their broadband.
Need help with middle mile
Permitting is an issue – local government need more staff.
Need help with adoption.
Not expecting more funding
BEAD projects should not need online funding – we don’t need online funding for our networks. BEAD should be self-sustaining.
Affordability is another factor. We need a permanent low income fund – maybe reworking USF. ACP met a lot of needs.
Most adoption gaps are narrowing, except affordability.
Memory chip have hugely increased in price – that impacts affordability and access.
Supply chain is biggest disruption to BEAD now.
Permitting is biggest disruption to BEAD now.
Easements on private is biggest disruption to BEAD now.
Rights of Way issue is biggest disruption to BEAD now.
Get workforce training thinking about telecom/tech in high school.
Broadband goals/definitions need to keep pace with real world expectations.
10:05am – 10:30 a.m. Panel 2: Regional Leadership in Action: A Fireside Conversation with State Broadband Directors
In this fireside conversation, broadband directors from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan will share how they navigate the complexities of federal and state programs while addressing the unique needs of their states.
Moderator: Kathryn de Wit, Project Director, The Pew Charitable Trusts
Panelists: Eric Frederick, Chief Connectivity Officer, State of Michigan Alyssa Kenney, State Broadband and Digital Equity Director, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Bree Maki, Executive Director, Minnesota Office of Broadband Development
Discussion:
We listen before we plan.
We are data-driven
There’s sometimes a mismatch between what a community wants and what a provider is willing to do. BEAD does not solve that problem.
A challenge in Minnesota is that this is not the Border to Border program.
BEAD won’t fix everything in Minnesota because the State and Feds have different definitions of success.
The inconsistencies in BEAD are a problem – especially when rules change.
Pole attachments is a big issue today – but that changes regularly.
Certain providers do not believe that the rules apply to them.
Federal guidance at the 11th hour is not helpful.
BREAK
10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Panel 3: Minnesota Broadband Next Steps: Progress, Priorities, and Pathways Forward
Panelists will discuss what’s next for Minnesota, building on the momentum from BEAD and federal investments, highlighting local success stories, ongoing challenges, and the critical next steps for partners.
Moderator: Nathan Zacharias, Technology Policy Analyst, Association of Minnesota Counties
Panelists: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee Representative, Senator Aric Putnam (invited) Mary Ehmke, CEO, KMTelecom Scott Reimer, General Manager – CEO, Federated Rural Electric Association Steven Schwerbel, Director of State Advocacy, WISPA – The Association for Broadband Without Boundaries Melissa Wolf, Executive Director, Minnesota Cable Communications Association
Discussion:
Connections within the industry have been helpful.
Workforce is always an issue – we need people to build the networks.
Conditions are getting worse – up and down the supply chain. Providers are buying equipment before they are guaranteed the contract.
Population density is top issue. Affordability is next. The access to supplies.
We are OK with a slow ROI – but we need to cover up front costs.
There are cost differences depending on mode of broadband
It’s a struggle to get fiber
Recommendations for Task Force: We made recommendations in annual report. Expanding and sustaining mapping is important. Clear and transparent data is valuable.
Role for Leg with Task Force: respect the expertise in the Task Force. We do read the report
Why not participate in BEAD? We didn’t know the rules. Our experience with federal funding in the past was not great with paperwork and federal rules that didn’t quite fit.
Wish that broadband had not turned into a political football.
11:20 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. Panel 4: Navigating the New Broadband Landscape: Insights from Policy, Industry, and Community Leaders
This session brings together experts from philanthropy, national organizations, and local leadership to unpack the current landscape and highlight emerging opportunities. Panelists will offer perspectives on implementation challenges, long-term sustainability, and the innovations shaping next-generation broadband.
Moderator: Jake Varn, Officer, The Pew Charitable Trusts
Panelists: Gary Bolton, President and CEO, Fiber Broadband Association TaTy’Terria Gary, Program Coordinator, Lead for America Joseph Wender, Executive Director, Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition (SHLB)
Discussion:
We are seeing big tech disruptions – people need to be able to participate in AI and other
SHLB – works on getting access to anchor institutions
Digital navigators focus on people first – and work toward building local expertise
Communities are what matters so we start with the consumers
75 percent of fiber users use AI daily – that number goes down with each step down in access
USF – there’s a genuine desire to fix it. Need to shift funding from phone service and expand the user base.
The job is not done.
LUNCH
1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. Breakout Session 1D, General: Broadband Digital Opportunity: Creative Action for Partnership in Minnesota HARVEST B/C ROOM
This session tackles the “now what?”—ensuring every household can afford service, have a working device, and knows how to get online safely and successfully. Speakers will share real-world models, outcomes, and practical steps for replication across Minnesota communities.
Moderator: Joseph Wender, Executive Director, Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition (SHLB)
Panelists: May yer Thao, President & CEO, Hmong American Partnership Gary Spears, Technology Services Coordinator, Senior Community Services
Discussion:
digital literacy leads to digital independence
access, devices and uses
teaching people how and why to use technology is an issue
with young people. it’s also about safety
how do get folks interested in training?
We work on one-on-one opportunities.
Choose the tasks people want to complete – like order an uber
Putting digital training into our other programming to give them a taste
The need for digital equity is as ubiquitous as broadband
ACP was a huge game changer
Need to go where the demand is
2:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. Breakout 2D, General: Community Engagement & Outreach: Building Broadband Momentum in Minnesota HARVEST B/C ROOM
This session will explore strategies for engaging residents, local leaders, media, and underserved communities in broadband initiatives. Panelists discuss what broadband marketing looks like today and will share practical tools, storytelling approaches, and examples of what’s working for internet service provider and community audiences. y Moderator: Jake Varn, Officer, The Pew Charitable Trusts
Panelists: Autumn Ricke, Marketing Manager, Pinnacle Marketing Group Ann Treacy, Librarian, Treacy Information Services
Part of the Blandin Broadband process was looking at the community needs from the perspective of as many stakeholders as possible. Broadband (or funding) can be the first ingredient to your stone soup but often the special sauce is what everyone brings to the table. Part of the process is working together and part is learning to aggregate the needs of the community to encourage a broadband provider to develop or expand into an un- or underserved area.
Bluepeak, a leading provider of high‑speed internet, is excited to announce that internet speeds in the communities of Black Hawk, Piedmont, Summerset, Fulda (MN), Jasper (MN), and several areas in and around Rapid City have doubled as part of a recently completed network upgrade. As a result, thousands of homes can now access up to 2 Gig internet, delivering faster downloads, smoother streaming, and improved reliability across every connected device in the home.
In addition, Bluepeak’s 500 Mbps and 1 Gig plans now include symmetrical upload and download speeds. These upgrades provide households with more consistent performance, making it easier to stream, game, and work simultaneously across multiple devices. For more information on the new speeds, residents can check address availability at mybluepeak.com/fasterspeeds.
The measure was removed from the U.S. House Rules Committee agenda after strong opposition from local government groups, including the League and national partners.
The U.S. House Rules Committee was scheduled to consider the American Broadband Deployment Act (H.R. 2289) on April 20, a necessary step before the bill could advance to the full House floor for a vote. After significant advocacy efforts by the League of Minnesota Cities and its national partners, the bill was pulled from the agenda when it became clear it lacked the votes to pass.
In addition to the League, the coordinated efforts included the National League of Cities, National Association of Counties, U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors.
They detailed…
Specifically, the bill as written would:
Force taxpayer subsidies. It would replace the current “fair and reasonable” compensation standard with a strict limit based on “actual and direct costs.” This creates a new unfunded mandate that could force Minnesota residents to subsidize the infrastructure costs of private corporations.
Allow automatic permit approvals. The bill would codify federal “shot clocks” and add a “deemed granted” penalty. This means that if a city misses a deadline, broadband companies could start construction without local approval. This would take away a city’s ability to protect public safety and manage its streets and public rights-of-way.
Weaken cable franchising authority. The legislation would permanently exempt bundled broadband services from local franchise agreements and allow providers to unilaterally modify existing agreement terms. This could significantly weaken a city’s ability to enforce local standards and services.
Shift dispute resolution. The proposal would move legal disputes from local courts to the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, D.C. This would increase costs and complexity for Minnesota cities when defending local interests.
Testifiers must be in person.
Other items may be added to the agenda.
The number of testifiers and length of time permitted is at the discretion of the chair.
Testifiers must be in person.
Other items may be added to the agenda.
The number of testifiers and length of time permitted is at the discretion of the chair.
Agenda:
S.F. 4696 – Kreun – Social media platforms requirements establishment related to accounts for minors
The city of Minneapolis may put a moratorium on data centers, even as some see the facilities as possible saviors of the downtown commercial tax base, which has plummeted in value in recent years.
Data centers are rapidly being built all over the nation to provide computing power that tech companies need to train artificial intelligence.
But a public backlash has sprung up amid concerns over their electricity demands and water use, and there’s apprehension about supporting a technology that is likely to displace human workers.
Now, the Minneapolis City Council is making moves toward putting a moratorium on the establishment or expansion of data centers in the city.
On Thursday the council scheduled a vote on a moratorium for May 21, giving members time to see whether state lawmakers enact statewide regulations.
The article outlines the perspectives of various council members, which run the gamut of issues we’ve seen in other data center discussions..
The council is largely split on the issue along its usual political divide, with more moderate Democrats worried that a moratorium would put the brakes on an emerging market that could help resuscitate downtown commercial property values, which have been hobbled by the rise of remote work.
House appropriators included $40 million for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ReConnect program in their fiscal year 2027 spending bill, restoring funding after the agency proposed eliminating the rural broadband initiative.
The move marks a clear divergence from USDA’s fiscal year 2027 budget request, which proposed no funding for ReConnect, according to agency broadband program requests.
The House Appropriations Committee released the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies bill on Wednesday, ahead of a subcommittee markup the following day.
After years of planning, grant applications and phased construction, Scandia’s long-awaited high-speed internet expansion is entering its final stretch.
Midco, the internet provider in the expansion, has begun construction this month and is projected to complete the project by the end of July. Once complete, the expansion will bring fiber optic internet access to roughly 95% of households in the City of Scandia.
Seeing the project nearing completion is encouraging to Scandia’s Internet Action Committee, which has been working for years to improve internet access for Scandia residents. According to the committee’s chair, Bob Wilmers, the city first partnered with Midco in 2019 when approximately half of the city’s households had access to reliable internet coverage. Since that time, Scandia and Midco have worked together to find funding through local investments and outside grants, including the Minnesota Border to Border Broadband Grant Program.
“In the last seven years, Midco and the city have applied for multiple grants from the State of Minnesota, Washington County, and the Federal Government to provide financial assistance for the expansion of high-speed Internet service in the rest of Scandia,” Wilmers said. “When this project is completed, we’ll have reached about 95% of the households in Scandia for high-speed Internet, doubling the number we started with in 2019.”
The total cost of the expansion is nearly $7 million, according to Wilmers, with the city investing approximately $1 million, which makes up roughly 15% of the overall cost. The remaining funding has been provided through grants and Midco.
Paul Bunyan Communications has begun construction on a major broadband expansion project in central Aitkin County that will bring its all-fiber optic network, the GigaZone®, to more than 2,400 homes and businesses.
The project area includes the cities of McGregor, Palisade, and Tamarack, as well as portions of Clark, Haugen, Jevne, Libby, Logan, McGregor, Shamrock, and Workman Townships.
Construction is now underway and will continue throughout the summer months. Once completed, residents and businesses in these areas will have access to fast, reliable all-fiber optic Internet and WiFi designed to support everything from streaming and remote work to advanced business operations. Services are expected to become available by winter.
“This is an exciting milestone for this project and for the communities it includes,” said Chad Bullock, CEO and General Manager of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Breaking ground means we’re one step closer to delivering the kind of high-speed, reliable Internet that has become essential for daily life.”
The GigaZone® all-fiber optic network offers speeds up to 10 Gig, providing a significant upgrade over traditional Internet services. In addition to Internet and WiFi, customers will have access to voice services including unlimited local and long-distance calling. Business customers can also take advantage of Managed IT Business Services such as VOIP, Disaster Backup and Recovery, and Network Management.
“This construction represents a major investment in the future of central Aitkin County,” said Leo Anderson, Chief Technology Officer of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Our all-fiber optic network is built for long-term performance, delivering the speed and reliability needed for work, education, healthcare, and business growth.”
Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up for services before construction crews complete work in their area to ensure a connection. There is no membership fee to join the cooperative; membership begins when subscribing to GigaZone® Internet or local phone service.
To check availability or sign up for service, visit www.paulbunyan.net, call, or stop by the Grand Rapids Customer Service & Technology Center.
Paul Bunyan Communications has started construction on expanding its all-fiber optic network, the GigaZone®, to over 600 more locations in Itasca and St. Louis County across five townships.
This project includes areas south and west of the city of Cook including parts of the following townships: Alango, Carpenter, Field, Sturgeon, and an unorganized township east of Carpenter.
The construction phase of the project is now underway and is expected to take up to three months. Once the fiber optic network is operational, residents and businesses will have access to fast, reliable all-fiber optic Internet and WiFi designed to support everything from streaming and remote work to advanced business operations. Services are expected to become available this fall.
“This is an exciting milestone for this project and for the communities it includes,” said Chad Bullock, CEO and General Manager of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Breaking ground means we’re one step closer to delivering the kind of high-speed, reliable Internet that has become essential for daily life.”
The GigaZone® all-fiber optic network offers speeds up to 10 Gig, providing a significant upgrade over traditional Internet services. In addition to Internet and WiFi, customers will have access to voice services including unlimited local and long-distance calling. Business customers can also take advantage of Managed IT Business Services such as VOIP, Disaster Backup and Recovery, and Network Management.
“This construction represents a major investment in the future of these townships,” said Leo Anderson, Chief Technology Officer of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Our all-fiber optic network is built for long-term performance, delivering the speed and reliability needed for work, education, healthcare, and business growth.”
Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up for services before construction crews complete work in their area to ensure a connection. There is no membership fee to join the cooperative; membership begins when subscribing to GigaZone® Internet or local phone service.
To check availability or sign up for service, visit www.paulbunyan.net, call, or stop by the Grand Rapids Customer Service & Technology Center.
This project is made possible through the State of Minnesota, Department of Employment & Economic Development, Low-Density Population Broadband Infrastructure Development Grant Program. This project is estimated to cost $7,810,355, with the State of Minnesota’s Low-Population Density Program grant contributing $3,924,157, Paul Bunyan Communications investing $2,203,928, Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR) investing $1,000,000, St. Louis County investing $583,250, Alango Township $41,200, Field Township $17,800, and Sturgeon Township $40,000.
Mediacom Communications said Tuesday it has finished 12 fiber broadband projects across Minnesota ahead of schedule, adding more than 400 miles of last‑mile fiber and bringing service to roughly 3,900 homes and businesses. The company, also known as Mediacom, described the work as a two‑year effort carried out in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), with a combined public‑private investment of more than $24 million.
Company officials said about 90% of the new fiber miles were laid in some of Minnesota’s hardest‑to‑serve areas, including the Iron Range in the state’s north.
Mediacom reported it invested more than $13 million of private capital and used $11 million in DEED grant funding; the carrier also said it leveraged those projects to extend service to an additional 1,600 locations using private dollars.
The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition led more than 80 organizations (including the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society) representing schools, libraries, service providers, and education leaders in sending a letter to the Federal Communications Commission urging the agency not to proceed with its proposed competitive bidding portal for the E-Rate program. The groups are concerned that the establishment of a Bidding Portal and its associated complex requirements and procedures, as proposed in the Draft Order, is not only unnecessary but also undermines the good work being done to streamline the E-Rate program. The groups requested that the FCC not proceed with its proposed implementation of the Bidding Portal. If the FCC elects to proceed with the Bidding Portal, the groups urge it to delay implementation until at least Funding Year 2029, hold a public comment proceeding to allow input into the portal’s development, create beta testing with applicants and providers to ensure the portal functions appropriately, and hold training for all applicants and vendors on the portal and new requirements under this order.
HF4052 (Kresha) Various provisions governing telephone company regulation, facilities and property, pricing plans, service classification, and reporting requirements.
From Paul Bunyan Communications…
From Paul Bunyan Communications…