EVENT May 12: Windom City Council to hear Windomnet acquisition proposals

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Windom News reports…

The Windom City Council will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, beginning at 4:30 p.m., at the Windom Community Center.

The purpose of the meeting is to hear proposal presentations from entities that are interested in purchasing the Windomnet telecom system from the city.

The city received requests for proposals from three companies that expressed interest in purchasing Windomnet: Midco, Southwest Minnesota Broadband Services and Federated Broadband. Each of the three will make their presentations for the council to consider at the meeting. However, no action to authorize a sale of Windomnet will take place at this meeting.

The meeting was moved to the Community Center to accommodate public attendance at the meeting.

Connecting One Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit: Notes from Office of Broadband Development

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From Office of Broadband Development…

Connecting One Minnesota: 2026 Broadband Summit 

Last week, Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) Office of Broadband Development (OBD) hosted the Connecting One Minnesota: 2026 Broadband Summit. This in-person event brought together national leaders, internet service providers, federal, state, Tribal, and local government partners, and broadband advocates from across Minnesota.

The morning began with welcome videos from Governor Tim Walz, Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senator Tina Smith, with a keynote address from the Center for Rural Policy & Development’s President and CEO, Julie Tesch. Morning panels provided insights from leading national associations and broadband directors from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, who shared how they navigate federal and state programs to meet the unique needs of their states.

The Governor’s Task Force on Broadband met over lunch to provide an overview of their work and recommendations from the 2025 Task Force annual report, plus progress on achieving state broadband goals. They discussed with national leaders how the work in Minnesota compares to work nationwide.

Afternoon breakout sessions focused on upcoming work with the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) for subgrantees, providing support and information on the grant’s management system for the program, environmental and historic preservation considerations and monitoring and field validation.

Other breakout sessions explored Minnesota’s public broadband maps with Connected Nation; strategies for engaging residents, local leaders, media and underserved communities in broadband initiatives; innovative workforce development training programs; and creative action for partnership in Minnesota around broadband digital opportunity.

OBD is deeply thankful to the national leaders who traveled to Minnesota for this event to both share their perspectives and to support and learn about the work happening across the state.

Connecting all people in Minnesota to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet is critical to our economic stability and this summit provided an opportunity to discuss ways to collaborate better as we move forward to achieve state broadband goals. Stay up to date with the latest OBD news by signing up for the biweekly newsletter.

New MN Bill: A bill for an act relating to taxation; sales and use; repealing the exemption for data centers HF5125

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From the MN House…

Sencer-Mura introduced:

H. F. 5125, A bill for an act relating to taxation; sales and use; repealing the exemption for data centers; repealing the contingent reduction in special education aid appropriations; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 216B.02, by adding a subdivision; Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, sections 216B.02, subdivision 12; 297A.75, subdivisions 1, 2, 3; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 297A.68, subdivision 42; Laws 2025, First Special Session chapter 10, article 7, section 8.

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Energy Finance and Policy.

OPPORTUNITY: USDA Accepts Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Applications open to improve access to remote education and health care in rural communities

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USDA Rural Development announces...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development invites grant applications to improve access to remote education and health care in rural communities.
USDA is making approximately $27 million in funding available under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program.
This program funds distance learning and telemedicine equipment, including audio and video equipment, to
improve access to educational and health care opportunities in rural communities. These funds will help
digitally connect people to education, training and healthcare resources that are otherwise unavailable or limited in remote parts of the country.
For example, DLT funding expands opportunities for:
• Students to participate in classes that may be in locations too far to access in person;
• Teachers to provide their expertise, trainings and educational services to students across the country; and
• Patients to seek specialized care and treatment from medical professionals without needing to leave their
homes or communities.
Eligible applicants include state and local governmental entities, federally recognized Tribes, nonprofits and for
profit businesses.
Applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov no later than June 30, 2026. Additional program information is available on the DLT Program website. Interested applicants are encourage to contact their Telecom Program General Field Representative (GFR) and may submit questions using the Contact Us Form.
To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, sign up at the GovDelivery subscriber page.

New MN Bill: Open Meeting Law; meeting broadcasting through social media authorized HF3295

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The new bill will be discussed today (May 7) at 1pm on HTV1…

HF3295 (Gordon) Open Meeting Law; meeting broadcasting through social media authorized.

 

OBD Broadband Update May 6. 2026: Broadband Summit notes, Line Extension and Task Force notes

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • Connecting One Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit, thank you to speakers and attendees
  • Line Extension Connection Program, Round 5 bidding window open
  • Broadband Task Force, April meeting recap
  • Now available online! Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS

Thank you from OBD to all who attended the Connecting One Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit. We appreciate your time and continued partnership in ensuring all Minnesotans are connected!

The summit brought together national leaders, internet service providers, federal, state, Tribal, and local government partners, and broadband advocates from across Minnesota and provided opportunities to discuss ways we can collaborate as we continue to work to achieve state broadband goals.

Post coming soon! A Connecting One Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit recap will be posted on the DEED blog.

Line Extension Connection Program, Round 5 bidding window open

The Round 5 Provider Bidding Application and Line Extension Program Guide, with guidance for the fast-tracked round, have been posted to the Line Extension Connection Program webpage along with an expected timeline (dates subject to change):

  • Bidding Window Opened: April 22, 2026
  • Bids Due: May 22, 2026 by 1:30 p.m. CT 

Registration remains open for residents and businesses for future rounds of the Line Extension Connection Program and OBD expects to announce a sixth round of the program with standard timelines using state funds later in 2026.

More information and registration are available on the Line Extension Connection Program webpage. For assistance completing the application or to request a paper form to complete, please call 651-259-7610 or email DEED.broadband@state.mn.us.

Broadband Task Force, April meeting recap

Governor’s Task Force on Broadband, left to right: Briana Mumme, Paul McDonald, Melissa Wolf, Marc Johnson, John Twiest, Daniel Lightfoot, Chair Teddy Bekele, Steve Fenske, Brian Hood, Adam Hutchens, Ini Augustine, and Bruce Crane.

The Broadband Task Force met on April 29 during the Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit. This meeting was held in-person and included an overview from Chair Bekele of the Task Force’s work and recommendations from the 2025 annual report and progress on achieving state broadband goals, update from OBD’s Executive Director Bree Maki, and discussion with national leaders how the work in Minnesota compares to work nationally.

More information on this and past meetings can be found on the Broadband Task Force webpage.

Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS

Recorded sessions from the 2026 Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems) are now available online and will be added soon to the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage:

Additional 2024 sessions are available from the Department of Natural Resources and Department of Transportation on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage.

Thank you again to all of the state agency partners for their collaboration and time in putting these resources together for broadband grantees!

REPORT: U.S. State of State of EdTech 2026 – cybersecurity, AI, procurement and teaching & learning

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The U.S. State of State of EdTech 2026 “provides insights into the state of K-12 education through the lens of education technology leaders—professionals who play a critical role ensuring technology is safe, reliable, and effective in supporting student learning, teaching, and district operations.” I have taught every age, from preschool to graduate school so I am always interested in what’s going on with education. When it comes to the world of education and technology it feels like so much has changes in the last 20 years and that the pace of change keep quickening. Here are the key findings from the report…

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity continues to rank as the No. 1 priority for education technology leaders, reflecting the essential role secure digital systems play in modern education. Most districts are actively investing in monitoring, detection, identity protection, and firewall technologies to safeguard networks, data, and learning continuity.

However, nearly two-thirds (65%) identify insufficient cybersecurity staffing and the lack of a dedicated budget as the top barriers to addressing cybersecurity challenges—highlighting the potential for a gap between responsibility and readiness. With increasing cyber insurance costs putting additional strain on budgets and new forms of AI-enabled cyberattacks increasing risks, districts must navigate how to best align funding decisions to keep up with ongoing pressures in the cybersecurity landscape.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Districts are making significant progress in establishing guidance for the responsible use of AI. More than three-quarters of districts (79%) report having AI guidelines in place, compared to 57% in 2025, reflecting growing clarity around AI’s role in education. The majority of education technology leaders welcome guidance and recommendations from state education agencies (SEAs) on these AI policies. Nevertheless, the vast majority report they do not want their SEA to issue AI mandates, underscoring the value of local decision making.

In just one year, education technology leaders have become strikingly more optimistic about AI’s potential, nearly doubling their confidence in areas like productivity and personalized learning and showing especially sharp gains in student tutoring and workforce readiness. Productivity gains are seen as the area of greatest impact: a vast percentage (96%) of education technology leaders view AI as having the potential to positively affect education. More than half of districts have AI initiatives that focus on productivity, such as productivity suites for administrators and teachers as well as training in the use of those tools. Fewer districts (41%) have initiatives for instructional platforms to support teaching and learning. More districts (64%) are using AI in operations—a notable jump from the prior year’s 37%.

Procurement

Responses to procurement questions indicate that many districts have established baseline purchasing practices, particularly around product safety. A majority of districts (56%) require vendors to provide information on the safety of their products. Fewer require information on the other key education technology quality indicators—such as evidence based design, inclusivity, usability, and interoperability—pointing to an opportunity to further strengthen and standardize procurement practices.

Regulations for accessibility impact all local education systems, though only 11% of districts regard accessibility as a key priority. As the framework of the Five EdTech Quality Indicators becomes more widely known, and expectations for meeting accessibility requirements are more broadly understood, districts are well-positioned to refine adoption criteria in ways that support high-quality education technology implementation.

Teaching and Learning

Districts continue to demonstrate strong foundational capacity to support education technology. The majority of districts (66%) report adequate staffing for core technical functions such as network administration, application installation, and maintenance as access to digital learning has expanded, with 1:1 implementation at an all-time high.

At the same time, most districts (58%) report they are understaffed when it comes to supporting the technology used for teaching and learning. Strengthening instructional support presents a clear opportunity to maximize the value of education technology investments and reinforce confidence among educators and communities.

Community interest and engagement around instructional technology is high. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of districts report that their communities express moderate to high levels of concern about the technology used for teaching and learning. This finding underscores the importance of clear communication, thoughtful implementation, and ongoing professional support to ensure technology continues to advance teaching and learning goals.

EVENT May 19: Fiber Broadband Association Debuts “Fiber Feud” at Fiber Connect 2026

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MorningStar reports, and I’m mostly sharing so that we can all send our best energy to Bree Maki for the game-show-sounding feud…

The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) today announced the debut of “Fiber Feud” at Fiber Connect 2026, bringing a game-show-style competition to the main stage of this year’s event. Fiber Feud will feature teams of broadband industry leaders going head-to-head in a fast-paced test of their industry and FBA knowledge, Fiber Connect familiarity, and quick thinking.

Inspired by the classic survey-based format, Fiber Feud adds a new interactive element to the event, blending insight, competition, and entertainment as teams compete for bragging rights in front of thousands of industry peers. FBA Board Vice Chair Evann Freeman will serve as host, serving up the questions drawn from a survey of Fiber Connect 2026 attendees, revealing the top answers to some of the industry’s most talked-about topics.

“Fiber Feud is a fun and engaging addition to this year’s event that attendees won’t want to miss,” said Freeman. “Fiber Connect is known for delivering the insights and expertise needed to move the broadband industry forward, and this competition gives us a chance to bring the community together in a different way—through a little friendly rivalry and a lot of laughs.”

Four teams will compete live on the main stage during general sessions, with preliminaries on Monday, May 18, and the top two teams advancing to the finals on Tuesday, May 19. The teams include the following broadband industry leaders:

  • Team State Broadband Officers, led by Team Captain Bree Maki, Executive Director, Minnesota Office of Broadband Deployment
  • Team Adtran/JSI/Corning/GLDS, led by Team Captain Ash Brown, FBA Board Chair and Senior Director of Field Marketing, Adtran
  • Team Ocean San Financial, led by Team Captain Dave Hagan Jr., Manager at Ocean San Financial
  • Team OSP Solutions, led by Team Captain Daniel Romer, Vice President, Sales, OSP Solutions

To learn more about Fiber Connect 2026, visit fiberconnect.fiberbroadband.org or subscribe to FBA’s Fiber Forward Weekly newsletter here to stay updated.

Views on fiber from Fiber to the Future in Minnesota

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Joan Engebretson recently wrote in Telecompetitor about her experience at a Fiber to the Future in Minnesota last week…

I had a chance to connect with some of them at an industry event in Minneapolis last week organized by optical fiber manufacturer Clearfield.

The event, billed as “Fiber to the Future,” brought together people from network operators, government, media, and the supply chain. Here are a few of the things we heard from the burning souls in attendance.

The article mentioned a few views from the industry…

  • “This is not about internet access; it’s about the future prosperity of this country,” said Bob Thompson, CEO of Underline, a network operator focused on deploying what he calls “fiber-to-the-community.”
  • Gary Bolton, president of the Fiber Broadband Association, offered an equally passionate take on the importance of ubiquitous high-speed broadband.
    “It’s about improving quality of life for generations to come,” he said.
  • When [CEO Cheri] Beranek founded Clearfield, her goal was to enable broadband and the lifestyle that it can support, she said.
    “Rural America is the foundation of this country,” she argued.

Candidate Klobuchar outlines priorities, including state funding for broadband

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The Minnesota Reformer reports on Senator Amy Klobuchar…

The senior senator on Sunday released over 40 proposals to both eradicate fraud and streamline how services are delivered to Minnesotans. She carried over some of her favorite issues as senator, including prescription drug prices and rural broadband access.

And according to the Klobuchar website…

Launch the Last Mile Initiative to finish universal broadband. Direct state matching dollars to the 120,000 households still lacking the 100/20 Mbps standard because they’re the costliest to reach.

MN eNews May 2026: Office of Broadband Development Conference

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Connecting One Minnesota-Broadband Meeting
The Office of Broadband Development hosted the Connecting One Minnesota-Broadband Meeting. The conversations on federal funding were optimistic, yet realistic. Attendees and presenters also discussed more local efforts and resources. (Videos included.)

Ookla ranks MN’s access to fixed broadband (100/20) at 31
Ookla Speedtest Intelligence looks at broadband speeds by location. Here’s what they found for Minnesota:

  • Percentage of urban and rural user with access to fixed broadband at 100 Mbps down and 20 up (100/20)
  • Urban: 74.3 percent
  • Rural: 56.4 percent
  • Ranking for overall access: 31
  • Ranking for Starlink users who can access 100/20: 13 at 45.97 percent

State News   

National News

Vendor/Technology News

Office of Broadband Development Updates and News:

Local Broadband News

Aitkin
Paul Bunyan Communications starts on major fiber expansion in Central Aitkin County

Fulda and Jasper
Bluepeak expands broadband to Fulda and Jasper MN (Murray & Rock Counties)

Itasca and St Louis Counties
Paul Bunyan Communication expands broadband in Itasca and St. Louis Counties

Leech Lake
Leech Lake Broadband Project Seeks Contact With Individuals Listed on Tribal Allotment Notice

Martin County
Martin County Economic Development Authority is heading to MN State Broadband Conference April 29

Minneapolis
Minneapolis City Council to vote on data center moratorium on May 21

Minnesota
Minnesota is Tops for Hospital telehealth adoption by state

St Francis City
St Francis City Council approves first reading of an ordinance on small cell technology (Anoka County)

Scandia
Midco’s Scandia fiber project nears completion (Washington County)

Stearns County
Stearns County Administrator Mike Williams retires, recognizes for broadband expansion in the community

Winona County
Winona County gets help from the State to combat cyberattack

Worthington
Bluepeak offers 2 Gig broadband speeds in Worthington

Upcoming Events, Opportunities and Resources

Iron Range forum decides that child care belongs with broadband, housing and roads

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The Grand Rapids Herald Review reports…

This week Rural Pathways released “Child Care as Workforce Infrastructure,” a policy brief making the economic case for treating child care as core workforce infrastructure across the Taconite Assistance Area (TAA), alongside broadband, housing, and roads. The brief’s release anchors a three-forum regional series — one held April 21 in Grand Rapids focused on Itasca County, a second April 22 at the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm, and a third scheduled for June in Silver Bay for Lake County — where employers, providers, chambers, and county leaders are gathering to translate the findings into regional action.

The brief documents a workforce gap that keeps nearly 700 Iron Range workers out of the labor force and puts roughly $521 million in annual regional economic activity at stake — $468 million currently generated by dual-caregiver working families in the TAA, plus an estimated $53 million in new activity that would come online if the three counties currently below the statewide workforce participation rate caught up to it.

Some rural pharmacies looking at AI‐Enabled Telehealth Solutions

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Voice of Alexandria reports..

Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) announces a strategic partnership with Doctronic to help independent pharmacies expand access to AI‐enabled telehealth. Building on IPC’s Digital Health investments, this collaboration supports care models that prioritize convenience, speed, and trusted support close to home, while keeping pharmacies central to the patient relationship.

Through this partnership, IPC and Doctronic will offer member pharmacies a practical on-ramp to digital care. Doctronic’s platform streamlines AI-assisted intake and connects patients to licensed clinicians, helping pharmacies expand access to care without losing the community connections patients rely on. For more, visit: https://www.ipcrx.com/digital-health-for-independent-pharmacies-2.

” AI is everywhere, and it can feel overwhelming,” said Kate Helf, VP of IPC Digital Health. “We see AI‐enabled telehealth as a foundational tool, we’ll continue to build on, supporting independent pharmacies as they expand access to care while staying central to the patient relationship.”

In many rural and underserved communities, independent pharmacies are often the most accessible healthcare touchpoints. Enabling digitally supported care options through the pharmacy, IPC and Doctronic aim to help close gaps in availability, strengthen continuity of care, and expand the support patients can receive, regardless of geography.

FCC adopts new rules from the E-Rate Program

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From the FCC…

Today, the Federal Communications Commission adopted rules to enhance the integrity of the E-Rate program by amending its rules and establishing a new competitive bidding portal and document repository. Today’s action will assist E-Rate applicants with program compliance and decrease the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse in the E-Rate program. The Commission is also taking actions to simplify and streamline the E-Rate processes and procedures, while giving greater flexibility for both applicants and service providers. The E-Rate program provides support to ensure that schools and libraries can obtain affordable, high-speed broadband services and internal connections. The Commission is committed to the responsible stewardship of E-Rate funds and protecting against waste, fraud, and abuse, and an open competitive bidding process is a cornerstone of, and fundamental, to the integrity of the E-Rate program. This action brings greater transparency and consistency to the competitive bidding process, helping ensure schools and libraries receive the most cost-effective services.

Additional Background Information: Today’s Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration will create and implement a competitive bidding portal and repository for the funding year 2028 competitive bidding cycle, beginning July 1, 2027. Specifically, it will require prospective service providers to submit bids responding to applicants’ requests for bids and require applicants to upload competitive bidding documentation, including bid evaluations, vendor selection documentation, and contracts to the portal. This action will consolidate where information is provided and stored, creating a centralized repository which will reduce the need for applicants to respond to documentation requests from the Commission and the E-Rate program administrator. Today’s action also includes rule changes to simplify and streamline E-Rate processes for applicants and service providers, including refining procedures for applicants transitioning service providers, eliminating unnecessary paperwork, and providing greater flexibility to refile rejected requests for reimbursement. Action by the Commission April 30, 2026 by Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration (FCC 26-30). Chairman Carr and Commissioner Trusty approving. Commissioner Gomez approving in part and dissenting in part. Chairman Carr, Commissioners Gomez and Trusty issuing separate statements.

Funding Applications are open for U of M Empowering Small Minnesota Communities Program

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This isn’t necessarily broadband-specific, but it could help with broadband planning or efforts. From the U of M Center for Transportation Studies…

Small Minnesota communities have a tremendous number of existing assets: beautiful natural areas; essential built environments; economic strengths, and human capabilities to build upon community strengths, meet their challenges, and move toward their aspirations.

The Empowering Small Minnesota Communities (ESMC) program is a community-centered collaboration with the University of Minnesota to support small communities in becoming well-positioned to benefit from federal, state, and local investments.

How? By working together to creatively leverage community assets and ideas and strengthening projects and plans for resilient physical, social, and economic infrastructure.

The goal? Lay the groundwork for competitive proposals that could be eligible for a wide range of funding opportunities.

Interested in participating in the program? Find out more and take action!