Telecompetitor reports…

This week, Minnesota announced $52 million in grants to expand broadband throughout the state, with the majority of awards going to small telecom providers.

The largest grant — just over $8 million — went to the Federated Rural Electric Association. East Central Energy received two grants totaling nearly $6.9 million.

Other awards included Garden Valley Telephone Company, $4.6 million; Paul Bunyan Rural Telephone Cooperative, $3.9 million; Otter Tail Telcom, $3.7 million; MiEnergy Cooperative, $3.16 million; Woodstock Telephone Company $2.91 million; Meeker Cooperative Light & Power Association $2.89 million; Ace Telephone Association $2.57 million; Bevcomm Inc. $2.3 million; Consolidated Telephone Company $2.13 million; Blue Earth Valley Telephone Company $1.78 million; Runestone Telecom Association $1.54 million; and Benton Cooperative Telephone Company $1.25 million.