Governor signs Ag Bill with $100 million for broadband
Last month, the Minnesota House passed the Ag bill with $100 million for broadband. And The MN Senate passed a bill with $100M for broadband grants. Just a week ago, Gov Walz signed the Ag Bill with $100 million for broadband. While $100 million is great; it’s a far cry from the Governor’s original budget recommendation of $276 million.
MN broadband maps don’t match FCC maps
The FCC recently released new broadband maps that do not consistently match up with Minnesota maps (created by Connected Nation). Depending on which number you look at the numbers are quite different but too often inconsistent. The question is – how will these maps be used, for how long and will that change how folks get broadband funding?
State News
- Study shows Minnesotans happy with telehealth, but barriers exist, such as no broadband
- Minnesota to invest $500 million for tech initiatives in State Government
- MN high school tech education is the worst
- Broadband Updates from DEED: 2023 funds, line extension and job opening
- MN is number 2 for widest availability of Gig access
- Minnesota Broadband ranks 39 by Broadband Now
- MN Legislature is working out Agriculture and Broadband Budget
- Update on PUC looking into LTD Broadband: LTD doesn’t want to file long form
Federal/National News
- Wisconsin won’t invest state funding in broadband this year
- Version 2 of the FCC’s National Broadband Map is Up!
- Cell coverage can be at least as bad as broadband in rural areas
- RDOF areas that have not received RDOF funding authorization can apply for BEAD
- Walmart to offer telehealth for pets
- GAO has 15 recommendations for NTIA’s Tribal broadband programs
- The US needs a National Broadband Strategy – so said GAO study
- A Minnesota Take on the Federal Farm Bill
- 5G rollout deadline of July 1 remains despite safety concerns from airlines
Vendor News
- CTC saves money and keeps people safe with broadband self-installation kits
- Frontier Communications plans to stick with copper for 3-5 years
- Midco offers recommendations on ReConnect funding
Local Broadband News
Aitkin and Isanti Counties
Paul Bunyan Communications expands to Warba, Marble, Calumet and Waukenabo Township (Aitkin County)
Cook
Cook MN get FTTH from Paul Bunyan Communications
Douglas County
Three providers are seeking Border to Border grants in Douglas County (MN)
Farmington
Farmington is getting FTTH – completion expected in the next two years
Fergus Falls
Fergus Falls Fiber Grant Project breaks ground
Isanti and Kanabec Counties
East Central Energy (ECE) starts fiber construction in Dalbo, Ogilvie, Braham and Pine City (Isanti and Kanabec Counties)
Lincoln County
Turning wind into broadband in Lincoln County, got Lincoln County from ranked 65 to 2
Martin County
Federated REA applied for USDA funding for FTTH in Martin County
Martin County approves two ARPA broadband grants
St Louis County
Wynne Ridge area in White Township gets better broadband with Mediacom (St Louis County)
Wayzata
Comcast bring Gig access to Wayzata MN
White Earth
NTIA Commits Nearly $500,000 in Internet for All Grants to White Earth in MN
Upcoming Events, Opportunities and Resources
- OPPORTUNITY: Open board positions at the State of Minnesota
- OPPORTUNITY: Pine County Digital Inclusion Survey
- OPPORTUNITY: more funding to promote the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
- OPPORTUNITY: Research Analysis Specialist – GIS Analyst
- OPPORTUNITY: Center for Rural Policy and Development looking for border members
- OPPORTUNITY: Federal funding for regional tech hubs
- EVENT June 7: Building For Digital Equity Event
- EVENT: June 17: Community broadband discussion in Wiscoy Township (Winona County)
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EVENT June 26: Affordable Connectivity Program Sign Up Day in Deer River
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OPPORTUNITY & EVENT June 27: Gathering Data on Digital Inclusion in Northeast Minnesota