Monthly Archives: March 2024

FCC dismisses Starlink’s spectrum application

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Ars Technica reports…

Starlink’s mobile ambitions were dealt at least a temporary blow yesterday when the Federal Communications Commission dismissed SpaceX’s application to use several spectrum bands for mobile service.

SpaceX is seeking approval to use up to 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites with spectrum in the 1.6 GHz, 2 GHz, and 2.4 GHz bands. SpaceX could still end up getting what it wants but will have to go through new rulemaking processes in which the FCC will evaluate whether the spectrum bands can handle the system without affecting existing users.

The FCC Space Bureau’s ruling dismissed the SpaceX application yesterday as “unacceptable for filing.” The application was filed over a year ago.

The FCC said the SpaceX requests “do not substantially comply with Commission requirements established in rulemaking proceedings which determined that the 1.6/2.4 GHz and 2 GHz bands are not available for additional MSS [mobile-satellite service] applications.”

But the FCC yesterday also issued two public notices seeking comment on SpaceX petitions to revise the commission’s spectrum-sharing rules for the bands. Dish Network and Globalstar oppose the SpaceX requests, and SpaceX will have to prove to the FCC that its plan won’t cause harmful interference to other systems.

Worthington City Council supports Equal Access to Broadband Act (franchise fees to broadband providers)

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My Radio Works reports on Worthington City Council’s view of a bill I’ve been tracking (the MN Equal Access to Broadband Act)…

The Worthington City Council on Monday approved a resolution of support for efforts of the Minnesota Association of Community Telecommunications Administrators to modernize public, education and government programming and public access funding.

City Administrator Steve Robinson explained that community television in Worthington is funded through franchise fees with local cable television providers. The franchise fees received by the city are based on the number of customers.

As viewing preferences have changed, Robinson continued, many individuals have cut the cable TV cord and turned to streaming services, thereby reducing the fees the city receives to continue to fund Cable 3. Worthington Cable 3 broadcasts city council meetings, as well as many of the high school’s athletic and cultural events and local celebrations.

Current state law does not require alternative streaming companies to compensate cities for use of our public right of way. Two House and Senate bills have been introduced to modernize and provide sustainable funding for community television. One would assess a fee on streaming services, collected by local governments, to fund local public, education and government community television. Another would, in exchange for private use of the city’s public right of way by broadband providers, establish a broadband franchise requirement to generate compensation.

Biden-Harris Administration Allocates More Than $800 Million to Increase Digital Inclusion Efforts

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Here’s the latest from the NTIA (spoiler alert, looks like Minnesota could get $12 million in digital equity funding)…

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced approximately $811 million in digital equity funding, including allocations for all 56 states and territories and funding available for Native entities. This funding will empower individuals and communities with the tools, skills, and opportunities to benefit from meaningful access to high-speed Internet service.

This funding from the Digital Equity Act in President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is part of the “Internet for All” initiative, a key component of President Biden’s “Investing in America” agenda.

Under the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) released today, states and territories can apply for funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to begin implementation of their digital equity plans. These digital equity plans identify the barriers to accessing and using digital resources and establish measurable objectives for promoting access to and meaningful use of broadband technology and advancing digital skills.

“President Biden is committed to ensuring everyone in America has access to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Commerce’s work building high-speed Internet infrastructure is only part of the equation. Families across America need the tools and skills required to make the most of that Internet connection, and that’s the opportunity we’re announcing today. President Biden’s digital equity initiative will make the promise of the Internet come alive for everyone in our country, no matter where they live or what their background is.”

“Today’s announcement marks our nation’s single largest investment in digital equity ever,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communication and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “This funding will ensure that our seniors, veterans, communities of color, families living below the poverty line, and people living in rural areas have the tools, skills, and devices they need to thrive in the modern digital economy.”

The Internet for All initiative includes three pillars: deployment, equity and affordability.  As the Administration moves forward with this vital equity program, President Biden continues to call on Congress to pass legislation that would extend funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program, so tens of millions of households can continue to access this essential program, which enables them to participate in school and access job opportunities, telemedicine, connection with loved ones and more.

Digital Equity Funding Timeline

As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Digital Equity Act provided $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion.

Today’s Notice of Funding Opportunity announces the first funding available through the $1.44 billion Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. This funding opportunity includes funds appropriated for Fiscal Years 2022-2024. Additional funding opportunities will be available in the future.

In 2022, NTIA began awarding $60 million to states and territories from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program. Since then, all 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico have submitted their Digital Equity Plans to NTIA for acceptance, and NTIA continues to review plans. Once an eligible entity’s plan is accepted, it is able to apply to this new funding opportunity announced today.

In the coming months, NTIA will launch the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, which is a $1.25 billion grant program that will make funds available to a variety of entities, including for example, some political subdivisions of states, native entities, nonprofits, community anchor institutions, local educational agencies, workforce development organizations, as well as territories. By statute, the competitive grant program will launch 30 days after NTIA makes its first Capacity Grant Program award.

Funding Overview for the State Capacity Grant Program

About $760 million is available to 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico

Each state’s funding allocation, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, was calculated based on a formula defined in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and specified in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. The formula takes into account the relative population of the state (50%), the relative size of the covered populations residing in the state (25%), and the comparative lack of availability and adoption of broadband (25%).

About $45 million is available to Native entities: 

The Capacity Grant program will make $45 million available on a competitive basis to Native entities to promote digital inclusion and broadband adoption efforts for their communities. This includes over $3 million for digital equity planning activities and $42 million for related projects. The Digital Equity Act requires that no less than 5% of award funds be available to Tribal governments and Native entities.

About $8.4 million is available to territories: 

The Digital Equity Act includes a set aside of no less than 1% of available award funds for the remaining territories: American Samoa, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands.  This NOFO includes a set aside of $8.4 million, split equally among those four territories.

 

State Digital Equity Tentative Allocation Amount
Alabama $13,702,566.00
Alaska $5,631,769.64
Arizona $16,170,760.44
Arkansas $10,161,429.01
California $70,226,453.82
Colorado $12,368,261.03
Connecticut $9,183,114.07
Delaware $4,816,482.10
District of Columbia $3,804,000.00
Florida $41,748,794.74
Georgia $22,455,639.68
Hawaii $6,017,160.03
Idaho $6,305,226.45
Illinois $23,732,912.78
Indiana $15,096,770.19
Iowa $8,442,129.37
Kansas $8,229,246.17
Kentucky $12,123,531.39
Louisiana $12,727,887.98
Maine $5,784,349.60
Maryland $13,427,134.17
Massachusetts $14,133,924.00
Michigan $20,585,775.60
Minnesota  $12,033,288.01  
Mississippi $10,752,090.73
Missouri $14,237,940.09
Montana $6,938,534.64
Nebraska $6,500,627.76
Nevada $9,200,546.13
New Hampshire $4,942,018.62
New Jersey $18,094,857.62
New Mexico $8,673,975.84
New York $36,984,641.81
North Carolina $22,456,097.01
North Dakota $4,549,772.25
Ohio $23,291,991.74
Oklahoma $11,233,311.64
Oregon $9,947,586.17
Pennsylvania $25,508,473.61
Rhode Island $4,540,059.53
South Carolina $12,846,583.30
South Dakota $5,010,234.08
Tennessee $15,814,288.00
Texas $55,641,147.86
Utah $7,795,149.91
Vermont $5,299,150.18
Virginia $18,330,732.47
Washington $15,983,291.58
West Virginia $9,011,588.00
Wisconsin $13,248,029.83
Wyoming $5,251,485.99
American Samoa $2,100,000.00
Guam $2,100,000.00
Northern Mariana Islands $2,100,000.00
Puerto Rico $9,807,187.39
U.S. Virgin Islands $2,100,000.00

 

Benton Institute’s cool ACP Enrollment Tool can help you build a digital equity plan

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Benton Institute for Broadband & Society reports…

Today we are releasing our latest version of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Enrollment Performance Tool, which updates data through February 2024. We introduce a new feature in this version—the ACP Risk Score for each zip code included in the tool. This score indicates the degree to which households in a given zip code are at risk of losing or reducing internet connectivity should the ACP benefit lapse. A high score (on a scale of 0 to 100) is a sign that households in that zip code may be more likely to lose internet connectivity than households in areas with a lower score. If a zip code area has a risk score above 70, it stands a good chance of having its households face significant disruption from ACP’s demise. Losing connectivity could mean giving up home internet service completely or choosing between having a wireline or wireless subscription plan.

I checked my own zip code and was a little surprised at the results. I live in St Paul between three private universities. (I was a little surprised that only 88 percent have wireline broadband.) The info Benton provides helps create a localized digital equity plan. Where are the holes? Do you need to work on getting computers to folks? Or multilingual technology training? Would your community benefit from senior tech training? Will people need help paying for broadband when ACP discontinues?

Does MN proposed bill help or hinder broadband development? Doug Dawson does some math

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The Minnesota Legislature isn’t looking at funding broadband this year. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t looking at broadband. There are a number of bills on the slate that could have an impact on how broadband is deployed, who can deploy it, how much it’s going to cost and what folks can do with it.

I’ve been trying to track the various bills – with a nod to remote access to committee meetings in real time and archive, just one more thing with can do with broadband – including the pro and con comments. Doug Dawson (CCG Consulting) has picked up on one of the bills and spelled out the potential impact of HF4659, a bill related to industry standards for broadband installers…

For Minnesota Border-to-Border grants, all employees working to build grants, including employees of ISPs, contractors, or subcontractors, must:

  • Be paid a prevailing wage.
  • Be provided at least 80 hours of skill training annually at no cost to the employee. At least 40 of the hours must be hands-on instruction.
  • Any employee working more than 500 hours per year must be provided with employer-paid family health insurance.
  • Any employee working more than 500 hours per year must be provided with a post-retirement benefit equal to at least 15 percent of total taxable wages.
  • If the grant office doesn’t get applications from ISPs that meet these rules, it is required to solicit applicants that will meet the new rules.

These new rules would apply to 50% of state grants awarded this year, 60% awarded in 2025, and 70% awarded in 2026 and beyond.

There are even more stringent rules for anybody applying for a BEAD grant:

  • Applicants must use a directly employed workforce instead of a subcontracted workforce to perform placing, splicing, and maintenance work on networks. Public applicants for grants can meet this requirement by partnering with an ISP that uses a directly employed workforce.
  • The criteria established by the legislation must represent 25% of the scoring criteria for winning the BEAD grant.
  • Anybody winning a BEAD grant must publicly disclose a lot of information about wages twice per year.
  • An ISP violating any of the rules would be barred from future grants.
  • Locating existing buried facilities must be done by a safety-qualified underground telecommunications installer. All construction within 10 feet of existing telecommunications infrastructure must be done by a safety qualified telecommunications installer. No less than two safety-qualified underground telecommunications installers must be present at all times during directional drilling.

This bill is such a major departure from the way that networks are built that it looks to be intended to drive ISPs away from seeking grants. Throughout the industry, network construction is largely performed by small crews of sub-contractors. These companies have never been required to carry employer-paid health insurance or post-retirement benefits. Even those that do would likely not give these benefits to employees who work as few as 500 hours in a year. Even large telcos and cable companies don’t give health insurance and retirement benefits to part-time employees.

The requirement that all technicians must be employed by the grant recipient would kill most applicants from pursuing BEAD grants. Even giant ISPs use contractors to build networks. While there are likely a few ISPs who could use 100% employees to fulfill a grant, my guess is that this requirement would drive away most potential BEAD applicants.

It’s hard to understand the motivation for the bill since it doesn’t seem to benefit any particular class of ISP. Instead, the legislation just adds more costs to ISPs willing to accept grants and makes it more expensive to build networks. The practical result would be that very few ISPS would be willing to pursue grants in the state. The motivation behind the legislation baffles me.

MN Equal Access to Broadband bill means new fees for broadband providers

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The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports on the MN Equal Access to Broadband bill (I have been following the bill in the Legislature)…

Minnesota cities are asking the Legislature for power to slap internet providers with new fees, an idea they say will lead to more broadband in the state with the added bonus of helping to pay for basic government access programming like video of council meetings.

But the idea has caused a stir at the Capitol, where telecom groups and Republicans argue the bill — with its significant support from the Twin Cities metro area — won’t actually aid rural Minnesota in bridging the digital divide at all. Instead, it would just bring in more cash to local government at the expense of broadband customers.

The tug-of-war has become contentious at times, pitting cities and their media operations against internet providers large and small and sparking debate about whether the bill’s title promising equal access to broadband is false advertising.

Gov. Tim Walz’s broadband office declined to weigh in as officials there plan to distribute more than $750 million in state and federal money to subsidize the construction of broadband infrastructure aimed at expanding high-speed internet options.

“The added fee on consumers’ bills will tip the affordability scale in the wrong direction,” said Brent Christensen, president of the Minnesota Telecom Alliance. “This legislation is contrary to everything the state of Minnesota, the Office of Broadband Development and my members are doing to see that all Minnesotans have access to quality broadband.”

Bills for broadband

Local governments have long negotiated franchise agreements with cable TV providers and utility companies to use public right-of-ways for infrastructure like wires.

Those deals usually include franchise fees, and for cable providers, a second fee specifically dedicated to what is known as Public Education and Government, or PEG. That’s basic public access media documenting local life and government.

There are federal limits…

Federal law limits cable franchise fees to 5% of annual gross revenue in that city, though the PEG fees are additional and uncapped. The latest version of the DFL legislation restricts broadband franchise fees to 5% of gross revenue and PEG fees to 3%.

Supporters have titled the bill as the “Equal Access to Broadband Act,” saying cities can negotiate consumer protections through franchise deals. Broadband groups have argued it’s a misnomer, that the policy will slow the spread of quality internet.

DEED Announces Federal Approval of Digital Opportunity Plan

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MN DEED reports…

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced Minnesota’s Digital Opportunity Plan has been accepted by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The acceptance means the state is now eligible for federal grants to implement the plan, which will help reduce gaps in internet adoption, and expand digital skills and digital technology access.

“Minnesota is a leader in delivering broadband, and we continue to expand service to underserved and unserved areas throughout the state,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “As our Digital Opportunity Plan illustrates, we are equally committed to ensuring every Minnesotan has the tools and skills needed to harness the full power of broadband and reap the benefits of a digital economy.”

“Broadband is an essential economic development tool that helps Minnesota communities grow and thrive, gain workers and support business vitality,” said DEED Deputy Commissioner for Economic Development Kevin McKinnon. “The Digital Opportunity Plan complements the state’s ambitious broadband connectivity plans to ensure digital equity statewide.”

The Digital Equity Act, part of the Internet for All initiative and a key piece of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, provides $2.75 billion to establish three federal grant programs – the State Digital Equity Planning Grant, Digital Equity Capacity Grant and Digital Equity Competitive Grant – that promote digital equity and inclusion.

DEED’s Digital Opportunity Plan, produced by the Office of Broadband Development (OBD), details how Minnesota will use its Internet for All grant funding to expand digital access. Minnesota identified the following objectives:

  • Establish a Digital Opportunity Leaders Network to coordinate and support digital opportunity initiatives regionally and statewide;
  • Expand OBD’s public data and mapping tools to include digital opportunity measures;
  • Prepare reports exploring models for: (1) a statewide tech helpline; (2) state-level broadband affordability programs; and (3) a state-managed system for loaning large-screen devices long-term to Minnesotans with low vision;
  • Partner with state offices serving people at high risk for digital exclusion;
  • Coordinate with Internet Service Providers to support newly-connected households needing education and resources; and
  • Administer targeted grants to support: (1) local and tribal governments preparing their own digital opportunity plans; (2) community partners piloting positions focused on trust-based digital opportunity work; (3) small businesses improving technology access; and (4) local and tribal governments improving web accessibility.

Last year, OBD spent several months developing its initial Digital Opportunity Plan to submit to NTIA. OBD held public meetings in 16 cities across Minnesota and two online meetings to gather public feedback on its plan to reduce gaps in broadband access, digital technology ownership and digital skills.

“We are thrilled and honored to have our plan accepted by NTIA and we are extremely grateful to the state and community leaders and countless Minnesotans who supported the plan’s development and provided feedback at our statewide public meetings or online,” said OBD Executive Director Bree Maki. “The feedback and support were essential not only to ensure our plan would be approved, but also that it would provide Minnesotans with the tools, resources and skills needed to achieve their digital technology goals. We are pleased that we can now move forward on implementing this plan as we work to connect people to people, connect people to information and connect people to resources.”

Earlier this month, DEED announced $53 million in grants to expand broadband to 8,900 Minnesota homes and businesses. DEED is now accepting applications for another $50 million grant round for broadband infrastructure expansion.

In addition to federal digital equity grants, DEED will also manage $652 million in federal Broadband Equity, Access and Development (BEAD) Program funding to expand broadband to the most unserved and underserved Minnesotans.

Office of Broadband Development Updates: webinar series coming up

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Updates From the Office of Broadband Development

  • Register today: Weekly webinar series kicks off in April from OBD
  • DEED leaders recognized for work in broadband, congratulations Kevin McKinnon and Diane Wells
  • Digital Opportunity Data Dive
  • Governor’s Task Force on Broadband, March meeting recap

Weekly webinar series kicks off in April from the Office of Broadband Development

Register today for the Broadband Development Tuesday Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems).

This series will take place Tuesdays in April, 10-11:30am. Agency experts will provide an overview of their agency, and information on current processes, timelines, goals, and best practices working on broadband projects and with broadband grantees.

Register for sessions below:

Content from the series will be recorded and posted to the Office of Broadband Development’s webpage.  

DEED leaders recognized for work in broadband, congratulations Kevin McKinnon and Diane Wells!

Deputy Commissioner of Economic Development, Kevin McKinnon and Deputy Director of the Office of Broadband Development Diane Wells were recently honored by the Minnesota Telecom Alliance at their Annual Conference with the Friend of the Industry Award for their service and commitment to broadband access and deployment in Minnesota. Both have been part of this work at DEED since the office was created 10 years ago! In the past, this award was given to lawmakers who championed this work, and it hasn’t been given out for 15 years, so congratulations to Kevin and Diane on this significant honor!

MTA Board of Directors Chair Terry Nelson, OBD Deputy Director Diane Wells, and MTA President/CEO Brent Christensen

The Digital Opportunity Data Drive

Public libraries—and their knowledgeable staff—are essential partners in digital inclusion work. Statewide as of 2022, Minnesota has 359 public library locations, 358 of which offer public Wi-Fi. Their combined total of 4,921 public computers and devices saw 1,749,819 patron uses in 2022, up from 1,236,941 in 2021. Further in-depth public library statistics are available through the MN Department of Education.

The digital inclusion work done daily by library staff is complemented by Minitex, a state-funded library organization. Minitex’s resources and services—available to anyone with an internet connection in Minnesota’s geography—include the extensive databases in eLibrary Minnesota, historical and cultural heritage materials through Minnesota Digital Library, and the AskMN 24/7 online reference service. Minitex also offers continuing education for librarians and educators in all these resources and more.

Governor’s Task Force on Broadband, March meeting recap

The Task Force met at DEED headquarters in St. Paul, MN on Wednesday March 20th for an overview on 2024 Legislative Session Broadband Bills, to hear updates on BEAD and Digital Opportunity, and to learn about the American Connection Project from Taylor Stuckert, the Executive Director of the American Connection Corps. The agenda is available, as are minutes from previous Task Force meetings on the Broadband Task Force webpage.

Cautionary tale of Ohio broadband provider who lied to the FCC

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Ars Technica reports…

An Internet service provider that admitted lying to the Federal Communications Commission about where it offers broadband will pay a $10,000 fine and implement a compliance plan to prevent future violations.

Jefferson County Cable (JCC), a small ISP in Toronto, Ohio, admitted that it falsely claimed to offer fiber service in an area that it hadn’t expanded to yet. A company executive also admitted that the firm submitted false coverage data to prevent other ISPs from obtaining government grants to serve the area. Ars helped expose the incident in a February 2023 article.

The FCC announced the outcome of its investigation on March 15, saying that Jefferson County Cable violated the Broadband Data Collection program requirements and the Broadband DATA Act, a US law, “in connection with reporting inaccurate information or data with respect to the Company’s ability to provide broadband Internet access service.”

“To settle this matter, Jefferson County Cable agrees to pay a $10,000 civil penalty to the United States Treasury,” the FCC said. “Jefferson County Cable also agrees to implement enhanced compliance measures. This action will help further the Commission’s efforts to bridge the digital divide by having accurate data of locations where broadband service is available.”

Minnesota alone is about to get $650 million in federal funding to expand broadband. It’s a good time to make sure money is going to the right areas and to the providers who are best able to serve those communities.

HF4025 Minnesota Advisory Council on Infrastructure established re-referred to Ways and Means

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State and Local Government Finance and Policy discussed HF4025 this morning (Mar 26). (I’ve written about the bill before.) The goal is to coordinate efforts, especially as federal funding comes into the state to reduce duplication and waste. A big change today is moving the proposed office into Admin, instead of as a standalone entity. It was re- referred to Ways and Means.

Short description: HF 4025 (Koegel) Minnesota Advisory Council on Infrastructure established, office powers and duties specified, implementation provided, reports required, and money appropriated.

A5 Amendment – moves the proposed office into Admin, instead of as a standalone entity. (And was accepted.)

Continue reading →

EVENT April 9: From Fear to Confidence: Women’s Journeys Toward Digital Equity

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An invitation from Benton Institute for Broadband & Society...

From Fear to Confidence: Women’s Journeys Toward Digital Equity

Join us on April 9th at 1 PM ET for an online discussion about the digital adoption journeys of low-income Black/African American and Latina women. By centering the voices and experiences of these often overlooked groups, we will provide actionable insights for states, local agencies, and digital equity practitioners to improve digital inclusion efforts for women.

Norma E. Fernandez—CEO of EveryoneOn and Marjorie and Charles Benton Opportunity Fund Fellow—will present her research based on in-depth interviews and surveys with Latina and Black/African American women in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Milwaukee. Norma set out to understand what drives underserved women to adopt broadband and develop their digital skills, and the barriers and support they encounter on their way. She found not just the practical benefits of digital skills training, but also profound personal transformation and self-empowerment.

In a panel moderated by Dr. Revati Prasad, Vice-President of Programs at the Benton Institute of Broadband & Society, speakers will include:

  • EveryoneOn CEO Norma E. Fernandez has spent the past 12 years fostering digital equity. EveryoneOn is a national digital inclusion organization that since 2012 has connected over 1 million people to affordable high-speed internet, distributed over 6,000 devices, and trained over 4,500 people in digital skills in the last three years.
  • Aneta Thomas Lee—Visiting Assistant Director for Digital Equity, Inclusion, and Navigation at the Illinois Broadband Lab—has spent the last decade working on bridging the digital divide from Alabama to Georgia. She has worked in a wide range of organizations including EveryoneOn, Inspiredu of Atlanta, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and the Microsoft Airband Initiative.
  • Mamacitas Ciberneticas Founder Maria Chapparo, works with community partners to improve access to affordable, efficient broadband in underserved communities in Dona Ana, New Mexico.

Together, panelists will reflect on the needs, perspectives and possibilities for low-income women embarking on a journey of digital transformation.

Be sure to RSVP.

Would your nonprofit accept a crypto donation? It worked out for one org in Northern MN

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Imagine your nonprofit gets an email from someone who wants to make a $10,000 donation in cryptocurrency. Do you junk it, flag it or follow up? Marlise Riffel at Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability (IRPS) chose to follow up. Spoiler alert – it worked out! I wanted to tell her story to educate, not advocate. There are a lot of toads out there, but Marlise was smart enough to figure out how to work with a prince.

IRSP “is dedicated to maintaining and improving the economic, environmental and social characteristics of our area so that our residents can continue to lead healthy, productive and enjoyable lives.” One way they do that is by acting as a fiscal agent for organizations, such as Recycling Electronics for Climate Action (RECA).

The email in question actually came to RECA from their GiveMN profile but was forwarded to Marlise, who is Chair of the IRPS Board. She read a personal-sounding email offering to donate $10,000 in cryptocurrency. Marlise replied and asked some questions. The donor said he had worked with RECA and someone on staff recognized the name. So that helped legitimize the offer.

The next question was why use cryptocurrency? Turns out donating cryptocurrency can allow the donor to avoid paying capital gains tax on the appreciated value of the cryptocurrency AND still get the tax deduction for the charitable donation. (Here’s more info on the specifics.)

Satisfied that the donor was legit, the next step was to figure out how to turn crypto into tangible money. Marlise called the local bank; they didn’t know enough to help with the process. So Marlise went to Google. She found a few third parties that would help transfer the funds. The first company she tried was also not helpful and didn’t feel right. The second option, Crypto for Charity was a better fit for her.

Crypto for Currency had helpful online support and they had staff that got back to her and walked her through the processes. She had to provide:

  • 501c3 letter
  • Employee ID Number
  • Full name (or organization)

Once that cleared, they were added to the Crypto for Charity’s Charity-base, a database of nonprofit organizations able to accept cryptocurrency. I found it helpful to check out the donor portal to see the presentation of potential charitable donations. It reminds me of the Give to the Max database that I think can help nonprofits get found by new donors.

The next step was to set up what I think of as a merchant account. A financial partner to take the crypto from the donor and turn that into a deposit in your bank account. Marlise went with Bill.com. There is no fee. She had to give them banking info, including the routing number. They told her when to expect the funds.

That was last Friday. I was nervous for her. But midafternoon she got the good news. The donation was $10,000; the deposit was for $9996.

I’m happy for everyone involved. Marlise asked good questions and found good partners. I’m sure there are other good partners but again, this post isn’t meant to advocate crypto or promote any specific partner but just introduce a new way to accept funds with the same caution you’d use with any financial transaction. Something worth considering should you get an email from a potential donor.

Bois Forte Band of Chippewa gets $261,184 from IRRB for FTTH

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The IRRRB reports…

At today’s Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board meeting, an estimated $1.3 million in loans, $750,000 in site ready grants, $3.7 million in infrastructure grants, $157,000 in trails grants and $3.6 million in housing grants were reviewed to advance projects in northeastern Minnesota. Agency investment for all projects combined is over $9.5 million. Total project investment is estimated at $106.6 million. The projects are expected to increase the regional tax base, retain and create jobs, expand broadband, provide essential services, grow the housing inventory and expand outdoor recreation.

One project was broadband-related…

Broadband Infrastructure Grant: $261,184

Agency Investment $261,184 | Total Project Investment $522,369

  • Bois Forte Band of Chippewa: $261,184 to construct a fiber-to-the-home buildout to bring high speed broadband to 442 homes in the Bois Forte Reservation. The project previously received a grant in 2019 and is nearing completion. Due to ledge rock encountered and higher material costs, the new grant amendment will support 50% of the increased construction costs.

EVENT Mar 26: HF4025 Minnesota Advisory Council on Infrastructure established

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The MN House committee on State and Local Government Finance and Policy will discuss HF4025 tomorrow morning. (I’ve written about the bill before.)

Tuesday, March 26, 2024 , 8:30 AM

State and Local Government Finance and Policy

Chair: Rep. Ginny Klevorn
Location: Room 10
Agenda:

HF 4025 (Koegel) Minnesota Advisory Council on Infrastructure established, office powers and duties specified, implementation provided, reports required, and money appropriated.
HF 3345 (Jordan) Prohibition on banning merchant bags removed.
HF 4744 (Jordan) Hennepin County; majority vote required to approve budget.

HANDOUTS: Handouts MUST BE IN PDF FORMAT and emailed to the committee administrator by 12 p.m. (noon) the business day before the hearing. If you are bringing hard copies, bring 40 copies. Note: submitted written testimony is public and will be included in the official committee record. It may be posted to the committee webpage if received by deadline.
TESTIFYING: Testimony is limited. The number of testifiers and length of time permitted is at the discretion of the chair, and is subject to change. Please plan accordingly. If you would like to testify, please email the committee administrator by 12 p.m. (noon) the business day before the hearing.
DOCUMENTS: Meeting documents may be found on the State and Local Government Finance and Policy webpage.
VIEWING: This hearing may be viewed on the House webcast schedule page. All video events are closed captioned with automatically generated captions.
*Agenda items (including bills) may be added or removed, and/or order may change.

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Live Video

Bills Added

HF3345(Jordan)
Prohibition on banning merchant bags removed.

HF4025(Koegel)
Minnesota Advisory Council on Infrastructure established, office powers and duties specified, implementation provided, reports required, and money appropriated.

HF4744(Jordan)
Hennepin County; majority vote required to approve budget.

Attachments:

[I’ve only included HF4025 attachments]
(3/22/2024)

(3/25/2024)

(3/25/2024)

 

MN bill introduced to House: HF5169: allowing online notary signatures

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Minnesota House of Representatives reports…

Carroll introduced:

HF5169, A bill for an act relating to state government; allowing online notary signatures; amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 145C.03, by adding subdivisions; 325L.03.

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

I’m not going to include the full bill here because it’s not the nuance or details that are important but it’s symptomatic of the “new” things we can do with broadband. (The full text focuses on notary for healthcare directive.) When I first started writing the Blandin on Broadband blog (in 2007) broadband was about helping people do things faster. Then about 10 years ago, we started to see new applications that were only available to folks with broadband such as telehealth, remote access to broadband, remote meetings. Then during the pandemic, we really saw the difference between the digital haves and have-nots. We quickly reached a critical mass of need and made strides with increasing supply.

This bill is an example of rules and regulations catching up to technology. It seems like we’re seeing more of these bills. It emphasizes the importance of access to everyone.