MN Broadband Task Force Final meeting
The latest iteration of the MN Broadband Task Force held its final meeting. But there is a strong push to have new folks apply and get a new Task Force going.
MN PUC is looking at LTD Broadband Again
Although LTD Broadband has changed its name GigiFi Internet, it will still have to answer to concerns with their ETC Designation. The Minnesota Telecom Alliance and MN Rural Electric Association have asked the MN PUC to look at the designation and suspend the designation while they do. There will be a preconference hearing on April 24.
Minnesota Legislature looking at Broadband Funding
Governor Walz suggested $276 million for broadband in his budget. The Senate has been looking at $100 million. It’s a big number, unfortunately the estimate to get ubiquitous broadband to all Minnesotans is closer to $2.76 billion. Federal funding will help but that is unlikely to be distributed soon and is unlikely to cover the costs.
State News
- MN PUC will hold prehearing conference on LTD Broadband’s ETC designation
- MN Senate Omnibus bill passed through another committee with $100M for broadband
- Do we need another push to get more voices on the MN digital equity plan team?
- MTA & MREA submit a petition to the MN PUC to suspect LTD Broadband’s ETC designation while considering revocation
- Rep Pursell notes drop from $276M for broadband to $100M in MN House
- Bree Maki explains MN weather impact on broadband deployment and how MN still moves forward
- MN Legislators currently looking at $100M for broadband grants – we need $2.76B
- MN Senate looks at $100 million for broadband grants (biennium)
- MN Broadband Task Force final meeting: Legislative update, details on federal funds, hopes for future
- MN Office of Broadband News Update: hiring, legislation and funding
- MN Farmers Union members still list broadband as a top priority
- Rep Pursell introduces bill to allocate money for broadband
- $66M in affordable Broadband Outreach Grants awarded; MN gets $750,000
- MN Low-Density Pilot Broadband Development Grant Program Applications Received— challenge process begins
Federal News
- Lawmakers (Sen Klobuchar & Rep Craig) introduce bipartisan legislation to expand access to rural broadband
- Surveys show broadband is mostly working and mostly important
- NTIA wants broadband permitting and continued low cost options from States
- Broadband access is necessary but not sufficient to expand use in some urban area
- Lots of people agree that Congress should continue Affordability Connectivity Program
Vendor News
- TDS looking at broadband funding from ACAM over BEAD
- Frontier plans to extend its fiber network but not everywhere
- LTD Broadband changes its name to GigiFi Internet
- MN broadband provider Arvig celebrates 15,500 miles of fiber
- There’s room for fiber providers and WISPs in a rural market
Local Broadband News
- Carlton County
Carlton County could invest in broadband with Savage Communications Inc. (SCI) Border to grant application - Corcoran and Rogers
Update on Border to Border grants in Corcoran and Rogers (Hennepin County) - Faribault County
Update on Faribault County Border to Border grant - Jenkins
LTD Broadband changes its name to GigiFi Internet - Mille Lacs Band
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe awarded $11 million from NTIA for broadband - Ramsey County
Ramsey County Connectivity Blueprint Community Report-Back - Rural MN
Telehealth not as prevalent in rural MN – due to broadband issues - Sherburne County
Sherburne County supports two providers seeking Border to Border grants
Upcoming Events, Opportunities and Resources
Blandin on Broadband 