MN PUC is busy with Telecom Issues
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has been holding meetings to invite customers to give comments on CenturyLink. They invite more comments in writing. They are also inviting comment on the ongoing issue of LTD Broadband’s designation as an ETC (Eligible Telecommunications Carrier). They recently made decisions that could indicate that they may seek resolution on the issue soon.
Is $652 Million enough for MN Broadband?
MinnPost asks questions about $652 million in federal investment in broadband in Minnesota. They ask if that’s enough to get broadband to everyone and when it might happen.
State News
- Broadband’s Designation as an ETC: today’s commentors say cancel designation
- Land O’Lakes continues to work to bring better broadband to rural areas
- CNBC ranks MN top 5 for business indicators
- MN State Grants: all money spent, so many good projects and so much need
- Investment in broadband in rural MN should reap jobs
- Minnesota Broadband Task Force continues: New members pending
- MN Senate Republican Caucus members celebrate broadband in their areas
- Governor Walz and Lt Governor Flannigan tour rural areas to promote broadband funding
- Minnesota State plans and budgets for cybersecurity
- MN Rural areas losing healthcare professionals: telemedicine could help bridge the gap
- Better broadband in Minnesota would help improve access to telemedicine
- Minneapolis Star Tribune touts investment in broadband especially for rural Minnesota
- Senator Klobuchar on expanding broadband in MN and ND
Federal/National News
- Another hiccup in the broadband maps: 10 day rule
- FCC gives tribal libraries greater access to E-Rate funding
- White House announces Cybersecurity Labeling Program for Smart Devices
- 8 Policy Recommendations to improve digital access and equity
- NTIA Releases BEAD Initial Proposal Guidance documents
- Affordable Connectivity Program helps Democrat and Republican communities
- US ranks 32 for broadband affordability
- Were toxic lead telecom cables left in place for decades?
Vendor News
- SpaceX launches new super huge satellite to improve broadband in rural areas
- Analysts predict AT&T and Charter are best positioned for BEAD funding
- UnitedHealthcare offers telehealth services with no copay
Local Broadband News
Benton County
More info Benton County Benton Communications MN State broadband grant
More info on Benton County MN State Broadband grant
Carlton County
More info on Carlton County SCI MN State broadband grant
Cass County
Cass County looks at federal and state investment in broadband: is it enough?
Douglas County
More info on Carlos MN Gardonville Coop MN State broadband grant (Douglas County)
Fillmore County
More info on Fillmore County Harmony Telephone MN state broadband grant
Harmony MN is better served with Border to Border funding (Fillmore County)
Goodhue County
Goodhue County to invest ARPA funds on broadband in Welch Township
Kandiyohi County
Kandiyohi County approves funding for digital equity project
Le Sueur County
Governor Walz visits farm in Le Sueur County to talk about the agriculture and broadband bill
Lyon County
Marshall Area Chamber hosts SDN Communications at recent event (Lyon County)
Nicollet
EVENT July 20: Gig Town celebration in Nicollet
Northeast MN
Broadband investment is one way IRRR is working to boost population in NE MN
Olmsted County
More info on Olmsted County KMTelecom MN State Broadband grant
Sherburne County
More info on Sherburne County’s MN State Broadband grant
St Louis County
More info on St Louis County Paul Bunyan MN State Broadband grant
Winona
Frontline view of Digital Connection Committee in Winona
Wright County
More info on Wright County Arvig MN State Grant
Upcoming Events, Opportunities and Resources
- EVENTS: Sep 21 and Oct 26: Smart Rural Seminars
- OPPORTUNITY: NTIA opens second round of funding for Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program up to $980 million
- OPPORTUNITY: Benton Opportunity Fund Fellowship Call
- OPPORTUNITY: Tech Congress Fellowship applications open until Aug 22, 2023
- OPPORTUNITY: MN PUC looking for comment on Petition of LTD Broadband LLC for Designation as an ETC
- OPPORTUNITY: Application window for Benton’s 2023-24 Opportunity Fund Fellowships now open
- OPPORTUNITY: NTIA Request for Public Comment: BEAD Uniform Guidance
- OPPORTUNITY: IRRR Broadband Infrastructure grants