MN Broadband Task Force Aug 2024 Mtg: Hearing from broadband providers
The broadband providers at the meeting spoke frankly about the trials, tribulations and success for building broadband in the area. The importance of the Affordable Connectivity Program also came up – and the loss of trust that came with loss of broadband. It was nice to get public comments from folks from the frontlines!
Broadband is top economic issue says Heartland Forward
According to Heartland Forward and Cooper access to broadband is the single most important economic issue facing the United States heartland today. Another report demonstrates that telework can be a boon to rural workers and rural communities.
2023 Federal Broadband funding Report
The Federal Broadband Report looks at a number of factors around broadband, economic development and more down to the county. The information can help counties assess what they need based on access, subscription rates and any discrepancies.
State News
- Minnesota has some great maps, including broadband maps
- FCC issues citations to 11 companies for broadband data reporting violations – none in MN
- 82 MN Counties where conditional forbearance from the obligation to offer Lifeline-supported voice service applies
- Governor Walz announces $5 million to medical tech companies for business expansion
- Impact of Minnesota Telehealth Act on patients
- MEPI report looks at Prevailing Wage for broadband projects in Minnesota
- Arvig and BEVCOMM ask the FCC to look into classification of Midcontinent
- Gov Walz uses online GIS maps to promote business development in MN
- C|Net looks at Governor Walz’s take on technology
- Harris Pick Walz Just Signed Law Favorable to Muni Broadband
- MN sees 10.4% increase in Construction Employment compared to US 4.4%
Federal
- FCC to move forward with 5G funds to target investments in rural communities
- 2024 Democratic Party Platform mentions broadband 3 times
- Could changes in E-Rate help close the ACP gap?
- ARPA funds – use it or lose it as deadline approaches
- Is the Universal Service Fund Unconstitutional? Why does it matter? A Connect This conversation
- Bipartisan Rural Broadband Protection Act Passes the Senate Commerce Committee
OBD Updates OBD BEAD-related training and updates
- Notes from BEAD Challenge weekly office hours Aug 29: Rebuttal process
- Notes from BEAD Challenge weekly office hours Aug 15: BEAD Challenge, Timeline and Resources
- Broadband Matters Aug 14 2024: OBD Updates on challenge process and Digital Opportunity webinars
- Notes from BEAD Challenge weekly office hours Aug 8: specific questions – multiple address challenge and polygons
Vendor/Technology News
- Low Orbit Satellites not good for the Ozone Layer
- FTTH is more sustainable than cable broadband
- Mindfulness supported by telehealth improve pain management in study
- Broadband industry needs 58,000 more tradespeople for predicted deployment
- ILSR report: Native Nations and Federal Telecom Policy Failures – consent is key
Local Broadband News
Cloquet
EVENT: CTC ground breaking for FTTH in Cloquet MN
Cook County
Cook County getting FTTH and Electricity thanks to RDOF and Arrowhead Cooperative
Ely
Ely MN is left with unreliable cell coverage after fiber circuit issues
Fillmore County
Broadband expansion begins in Fillmore County with MiBroadband and MN Broadband grants
Lakewood Township
National Cable Association lauds Lakewood Township Project offers advice for BEAD
Nobles County
Nobles County discusses remaining ARPA funds
Rochester
Rochester cable to debut multimedia digital box
Willmar City
Willmar City Council invests in marketing and engineering Connect Willmar Initiative
Willmar City Council votes to build open access fiber with Hometown Fiber
Upcoming Events, Opportunities and Resources
- September 5 – OBD Office Hour
- September 10 – NTIA BEAD Request for Public Comment: Choosing the Right Mix of Technologies to Achieve Internet for All
- September 12 – OBD Office Hour
- September 19 – OBD Office Hour
- September 24 – MN Broadband Task Force Meeting
- October 29 – MN Broadband Task Force Meeting
- Nov 18: Black Broadband Summit in North Mpls
- November 26 – MN Broadband Task Force Meeting
- December 17 – MN Broadband Task Force Meeting
- OPPORTUNITY: Wireline Competition Bureau Seeks Nominations for Eight Board Member Positions (Due Oct 28)
- OPPORTUNITY: NTIA Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (Due Sep 23)
- Opportunity Fund Fellowship Call—Applications Due September 15
- OPPORTUNITY: PCs for People is looking for partners
- OPPORTUNITY: Applications soon open for a New Initiative to Recognize Native Entities
- OPPORTUNITY: FCC Announces Anticipated Renewal of its Consumer Advisory Committee and Solicits Nominations for Membership