Journal of Community Informatics Special Issue: Charting Sovereignty in the Digital Age: Tribal Leadership, Broadband, and the Rise of Tribal Digital Sovereignty

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The Journal of Community Informatics has released a special Issue

This special issue of the Journal of Community Informatics presents a collection of articles exploring the historical trajectory and contemporary convergence of grassroots telecommunications policy advocacy in Indian Country. The articles in the special edition posit that Tribal Digital Sovereignty (TDS) has emerged as a definitive governance framework for Tribal Nations, evolving from decades of work by scholars and practitioners at the intersection of federal Indian law, telecommunications, digital equity, and tribal self-determination. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a pivotal catalyst for this evolution, recasting broadband from a luxury to an essential lifeline and exposing deep-seated disparities in connectivity. This crisis opened an unprecedented opportunity for Tribal Nations to take a seat at the policy table and invest in infrastructure through historic federal investments through the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These investments have allowed Tribal governments to move beyond bridging the digital divide toward creating community-led solutions shaped by sovereignty and self-determination.

Despite a shifting political and funding landscape, Tribal Nations have successfully transitioned from reactive investments to proactive self-determination in the digital realm. This special issue examines TDS as an umbrella framework encompassing both Network Sovereignty—the authority over physical infrastructure—and Data Sovereignty—the governance of information and its transmission. The articles document how Tribal governments can and are actively institutionalizing long-term strategies, including the development of regulatory codes and protocols to protect governmental and other data. By tracing historical inequities alongside recent advancements, this collection highlights a foundational shift: Tribal Nations are no longer passive beneficiaries of federal policy but are the primary architects of digital futures grounded in their unique cultural, political, and legal foundations.

The issue includes the following articles. I just had to pull out one beautiful line:

If research is ceremony, then data is sacred. Indeed, data is kin.

The articles are as well written and a fascinating look at how we got to where we are..

EVENT Mar 5: Telecom Act at 30: Universal Service as the North Star

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An invitation from the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society…

Join the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society. for a retrospective marking the 30th anniversary of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. Benton will convene policymakers, academic and industry leaders to examine how the law, drafted at the dawn f dial-up internet codified the national commitment to universal connectivity. Participants will explore how the act has shaped today’s broadband landscape and what universal service must mean in the next era of connectivity.

 

Mediacom completes network upgrade in Cedar Rapids (Iowa)

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I know Cedar Rapids isn’t Minnesota, but networks are built on networks so always glad to see more. Broadband Communities reports…

Mediacom Communications on Tuesday said it has finished upgrading broadband speeds for more than 92,000 homes and businesses in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, bringing multi-gig and symmetrical service options to the city.

The company, through an announcement provided to Broadband Communities, said the work builds on its existing fiber-rich network and was completed without new digging or cable burial, a move it says allowed for faster, less disruptive upgrades for customers. …

The company also announced that network work is underway in other regions, including suburban Des Moines, parts of Maryland and Delaware, the Florida Panhandle, metro Minneapolis and the Quad Cities, with a stated goal of reaching 1 million households with enhanced services by the end of 2026.

Office of Broadband Matters Feb 11, 2026: Upcoming meetings

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • Broadband Task Force, meeting in February
  • Coming soon: Updated Broadband Development Training Series
  • Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) in Minnesota
  • Line Extension Connection Program updates

OBD and fellow teams at Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) recently visited the Fond du Lac Reservation to deepen their understanding of Tribal-State relations. This important step helps strengthen collaboration and ensure more inclusive economic opportunities across Minnesota.

Broadband Task Force, meeting in February

The Broadband Task Force will meet on Wednesday February 18 at 10 a.m. This meeting will be held virtually and is open to anyone from the public to attend. The Teams link to join the meeting will be included at the top of the meeting agenda which will be posted along with other information on past meetings on the Broadband Task Force webpage.

Coming soon: Updated 2026 Broadband Development Training Series

OBD will be working alongside other state agencies on communicating updates to subgrantees and community partners by offering a revised Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems).

Originally held in April 2024, resources and presentation materials are still available on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage from state’s Department of Transportation, State Historic Preservation Office, Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, Minnesota Historical Society, Office of the State Archaeologist, and Department of Natural Resources.

The revised series will feature a combination of updates from previous presenters as needed and new information from partner agencies with resources for broadband program grantees. OBD expects to finalize and release an updated webinar schedule by March 2026. Watch for webinar registration and dates in this space and on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage.

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) in Minnesota

OBD continues to update the OBD BEAD webpage as additional updates and resources are made available. This includes updated NTIA BEAD FAQs (2/3/2026).

On December 19, 2025, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved Minnesota’s BEAD Final Proposal, advancing the state’s plan to expand high‑speed internet with federal funding.

Following extensive engagement, restructuring, and over 18 rounds of curing, Minnesota has been initially approved for:

  • $378.9 million in BEAD subgrants across 94 projects. These projects are supported by nearly $190 million in matching funds, representing a total anticipated investment of more than $568.8 million
  • Funds will connect connect 74,739 locations

On Monday February 9, OBD received its BEAD Notice of Award (NoA) from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Next steps will include contracting with subgrantees, which must be completed within 6 months of receipt of the NoA.

Line Extension Connection Program updates

OBD is currently in the process of rolling out awards and getting confirmation of award acceptance from providers for Round 4 of the Line Extension Connection Program. Once this process is complete, OBD will publish final awards, which is expected to be in February.

Registration remains open for future rounds if and as funding is available for residents and businesses on the Line Extension Connection Program webpage. OBD expects to run a fifth round of Line Extension with state project funds in spring 2026.

Questions on Line Extension can be sent to deed.broadband@state.mn.us or (651)-259-7610.

EVENT Feb 18: BEAD Non-Deployment Listening Session

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Sounds like an interesting session. It has been well attended in the past…

NTIA Listening Session on the Use of BEAD Funds Saved Through the Trump Administration’s Benefit of the Bargain Reforms

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will convene a second virtual listening session on the use of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program funds saved thanks to the Trump Administration and Secretary Lutnick’s Benefit of the Bargain reforms. This session will gather input from stakeholders to inform NTIA’s future planning and policy development regarding the use of these “nondeployment” funds.

Register

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick testifies on broadband before the Senate Appropriations Committee

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Unfortunately, there’s a sound issue in part of this video, but Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is asked pointed questions about BEAD funding and what might happen to the unspent BEAD funding. (I have checked other videos; the sound cuts out in them too. The error must have happened in the room.)

MN Broadband Task Force Member and St. Louis County Commissioner, Paul McDonald, seeks re-election

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WDIO Radio reports…

St. Louis County Commissioner Paul McDonald announced he will seek re-election to the County Board representing the Fourth District, a seat he has held since 2019.

“My entire professional life has been dedicated to helping people,” McDonald said in a press release. “As your county commissioner, I answer that call every day, and with your support, I will continue to do so.”

He has been active in broadband the world for several years…

At the state level, McDonald is Vice Chair of the Northern Counties Coalition, Chair of the Association of Minnesota Counties Futures Committee and has helped pass legislation saving taxpayers millions. He also serves on the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband.

EVENT Feb 11: NTIA Listening Session on the Use of BEAD

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From the NTIA…

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will convene a virtual listening session on the use of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program funds saved thanks to the Trump Administration and Secretary Lutnick’s Benefit of the Bargain reforms. This session will gather input from stakeholders to inform NTIA’s future planning and policy development regarding the use of these “nondeployment” funds.

DATES:

The listening session will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST.

FCC announces RDOF areas that are now eligible for broadband funding including some in MN

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The FCC reports…

The Federal Communications Commission announced that certain Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) census block groups (CBG) are now eligible for other funding programs.  Specifically, Savage Communications (Savage) has notified the FCC of its decision to withdraw from the RDOF support program in the CBGs covered by its remaining authorized winning bids in Minnesota (study area code (SAC) 369052).  FiberLight of Virginia, LLC (FiberLight) has also notified the FCC of its decision to withdraw from the RDOF support program in the CBGs covered by its remaining authorized winning bids in Virginia (SAC 199031). Additionally, South Central Connect has notified the FCC it will not fulfill its commitment to offer voice and broadband service to certain CBGs within its RDOF supported service area in Arkansas (SAC 409043).  Southwest Arkansas Telecommunications & Technology, Inc. d/b/a Four States Fiber (Four States Fiber) has also notified the FCC it will not fulfill its commitment to offer voice and broadband to certain CBGs within its RDOF supported service areas in Arkansas (SAC 409055) and Louisiana (SAC 279060).  Finally, Siuslaw Broadband has notified the FCC of its decision to withdraw from the RDOF program in Oregon (SAC 539024).  These carriers will be subject to non-compliance measures.  Additionally, we refer Savage, South Central Connect, Four States Fiber, and Hyak’s defaults to the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau for further consideration. The FCC also took the necessary step to formally announce that the relevant census blocks are eligible for funding from other federal and state funding programs subject to the rules of the other programs.  This announcement avoids leaving these areas unserved for the duration of the RDOF deployment terms, because providers may now have access to alternative funding to serve these areas.  These carriers remain subject to all eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) obligations unless and until they follow the relevant procedures to relinquish their designations. Additionally, they cannot discontinue voice service without Commission approval.

NTIA clarifies BEAD rules for all providers, including satellite

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Light Reading reports on the NTIA’s response to SpaceX’s search for BEAD rule exemption last week…

The NTIA released new guidance this week that seems to clarify that companies receiving BEAD awards cannot retroactively absolve themselves of certain program requirements. The clarification comes after a leaked rider that SpaceX reportedly sent to at least one state revealed that the company was attempting to circumvent certain capacity and performance requirements.

As per that proposed rider, originally leaked to Broadband.io late last month, SpaceX – which operates the low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite service Starlink – sought to absolve the company of certain requirements it agreed to during the BEAD bidding process. Those include, among others, that Starlink’s quality of service is not guaranteed if Starlink determines the customer’s “view of the sky is obstructed.” The rider also states that Starlink will offer free customer premises equipment (CPE) but not installation.

Additionally, the rider would exempt Starlink from the NTIA’s requirement that states “reserve sufficient capacity from the LEO provider to deliver broadband service that meets the BEAD performance and technical requirements to each BSL,” instead asking states to agree that Starlink “is not required to keep reserved capacity fallow where potential subscribers in the Project Area have not yet requested service.”

Broadband expanded to nearly 400 households, businesses and farms in Clinton Township

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From the IRRR Ranger newsletter…

Consolidated Telephone Company (CTC) expanded its broadband fiber optic network to approximately 400 unserved or underserved locations in Clinton Township and adjacent areas, including homes, businesses and farms. All locations have a minimum service offering available of 250 mbps download and upload, with services of 10 Gbps download and upload available. Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation supported the project with a $1,150,000 Broadband Infrastructure grant to CTC. Total project investment was $5,400,000.

Joe Buttweiler is CTC’s chief strategy officer. He explained that access to broadband is as imperative today as electricity was 75 years ago. A reliable fiber optic network is the backbone necessary to provide rural residents, small businesses, teleworkers and farmers with access to the benefits of unlimited bandwidth, cost efficiency and reliability. Prior to this project, many residents in the Clinton Township area did not have access to quality or affordable internet service for everyday needs.

The project also received a $2,624,187 Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development and a $400,000 grant from St. Louis County.

“In today’s world, reliable internet connectivity has become almost as important as other forms of infrastructure,” said St. Louis County Commissioner Keith Nelson. “It represents access for businesses, students and everyone else seeking information or services online. So I’m pleased St. Louis County could dedicate ARPA funds in support of this project serving our residents in Clinton Township.”

Email Whitney Ridlon or call her at 218-735-3004 for Broadband Infrastructure grant information.

Note: CTC is a member-owned cooperative established in 1952 and based in Brainerd, with additional offices in Baxter and Crosby. It has 16,000 residential and business members and 75 employees that serve as local support teams across northern Minnesota. It originated as a telephone service provider and has since added television and internet services for homes, businesses, cabins and apartment buildings throughout Minnesota. Learn more about CTC.

Competitive Intelligence: looking at what other State Legislatures did in 2025

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The National Conference of State Legislatures writes about what State Legislatures passed in 2025. They created categories:

  • Infrastructure Regulation
  • Critical Infrastructure Protections
  • State Broadband Funding
  • Help for Rural and Low-Income Consumers

With BEAD funding still looming large and somewhat unpredictably, I think it’s instructive to see what’s happening in other areas. We can learn a lot from what’s working (and what’s not) in other places.

There were also some predictions for 2026…

States may face continued uncertainties over federal broadband policy in 2026. One area of interest: BEAD non-deployment funds. This money, which remains after infrastructure deployment funds have been allocated, could be used for workforce development, mapping and other broadband activities. Another federal development to follow will be congressional efforts to modernize the Universal Service Fund. Infrastructure issues such as permitting and pole attachments likely will see continued state action in the new year, especially as BEAD implementation progresses.

As states receive notification that their broadband plans have been approved, they will need to work to comply with a new federal requirement for states to approve or deny applications submitted by subgrantees within 90 days “to the extent permitted by state law.” Plus, states will need to work to meet the BEAD program’s statutory four-year construction deadline.

Finally, as AI and data centers utilize broadband infrastructure, state legislators may continue to introduce legislation relating to the facilities’ energy, environmental and economic development issues.

FCC Report: Internet Access Services: Status as of December 31, 2024

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The FCC has just released their latest report on Internet access in the US based on information from providers…

This report summarizes information about Internet access in the United States as of December 31, 2024, as collected by FCC Form 477 and the Broadband Data Collection (BDC). For purposes of this report, Internet access is defined as a service that allows information to be sent to or received from the Internet with a speed of at least 200 kilobits per second. See the Technical Notes at the end of this report for more-detailed information about these data collections and the meaning of terms used in this report.

Info on access:

Access over time:

Access by mode:

About competition:

And info on Minnesota’s data:

Success of Mobile Health in State Rural Health Transformation Plans, including MN

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Georgetown University reports on Mobile Health in State Rural Health Transformation Plans…

Hundreds of rural hospitals across the country are operating on thin margins, and recent federal policy proposals threaten to exacerbate that strain. Provisions in H.R. 1 are projected to reduce federal funding to hospitals and other providers by more than $1 trillion, putting many rural facilities at risk of service reductions or closure. In an attempt to mitigate some of these challenges, H.R. 1 established the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), allocating $10 billion annually over five years to assist states in modernizing rural health care infrastructure, expanding access to care, and improving patient outcomes.

Minnesota is mentioned…

Our research indicates that mobile health models can expand access to care in rural communities by reaching populations facing geographic and broadband barriers. Mobile health care can increase preventive care, support chronic disease management, and link patients to follow-up care. For instance, a program in rural Minnesota launched a mobile-telehealth hybrid model, allowing patients to avoid 30–60 mile trips for primary care.

Patients frequently report high satisfaction with the convenience and quality of mobile health services in rural areas. Some programs are also associated with reduced emergency department use and potential system-level cost efficiencies. For example, a rural South Carolina community paramedicine program helped patients lower their blood pressure and blood glucose levels while also reducing emergency department visits.

The sustainability of mobile health programs often depends on stable funding, strong community partnerships, and referral networks that allow mobile services to act as a gateway to additional care.

Minnesota’s Minnesota Rural Health Transformation is held up as a standout…

Minnesota stands out for its integration with Tribal health organizations and its focus on dental and primary care. Mobile medical and dental units provide preventive screenings, basic primary care, restorative dental services, and lab work, while telehealth links patients to specialty care. The state also positions mobile units as extensions of FQHCs and community clinics, embedding care within existing referral networks and using community sites such as schools for service delivery and workforce training.

Minnesota’s RHTP application and press release.

They are also hosting a virtual discussion on how state policymakers can better support mobile health clinics and improve access to care at 1pm ET on February 13. Register here.

AT&T completes acquisition of Lumen’s consumer fiber business

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Broadband Breakfast reports…

AT&T closed its acquisition of Lumen’s mass market fiber business in a $5.75 billion all-cash deal Monday.

The deal has expanded AT&T’s fiber offerings in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Colorado Nebraska and Iowa, landing AT&T with one million additional fiber subscribers and four million additional fiber locations, according to a press release.