An Update from Office of Broadband Development…

Just one week ago, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved Minnesota’s Digital Opportunity Plan

This plan outlines the steps the state will take, using a forthcoming NTIA State Digital Equity Capacity Grant, to advance digital opportunities statewide. We’ve appreciated the congratulatory notes that have shown up in our inboxes this past week and want to emphasize: This plan is Minnesota’s plan, and this achievement belongs to us all.

To read the full, approved version of Minnesota’s Digital Opportunity Plan, please visit OBD’s Digital Opportunity website.

In the coming weeks and months, we’ll be updating this page and sharing more information about what our implementation process and timeline look like.

Here’s what we know today:

• NTIA released the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program notice of funding opportunity and application materials on 3/29/24. OBD will submit Minnesota’s application by 5/28/24.
• Capacity grant funds will be doled out to states in three installments. MN will received $12M during this first round.
• NTIA expects to begin awarding funds on a rolling basis beginning no later than 8/28/24.

It was never OBD’s goal to present a digital opportunity plan for Minnesota. Rather, from to onset, OBD has strived to ensure this plan belongs to Minnesota. Thank you for being part of this historical effort and the new opportunities that lie ahead as we work together to better connect all Minnesota residents to opportunities, options, and each other.