From the MN Office of Broadband Development…
Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates
- BEAD updates + Pre-Qualification portal now open!
- OBD weekly office hours registration
- Digital Opportunity update
- Broadband Task Force, February meeting plans
- OBD is hiring – Broadband Environmental/Land Use Coordinator
BEAD updates + Pre-Qualification portal now open!
The Office of Broadband Development would like take a moment to acknowledge the current uncertainty in working with federal partners. The team remains committed to moving forward with the work given to us by the Minnesota Legislature, and to follow current guidelines administering federal programs, on behalf of all Minnesotans
Updates and additional resources on the federal BEAD program in Minnesota available on OBD’s BEAD webpage include:
- The Pre-Qualification portal opened on Monday, January 27. The Pre-Qualification process will run in Minnesota until February 27. Information on registration, portal access, are posted at the top of OBD’s BEAD webpage. If you have any technical questions on the portal, please email mnhelpdesk@ready.net.
- BEAD Applicant resources have been added to the webpage, including BEAD Pre-Qualification Guidance, a BEAD Grantor Portal User Guide, and a Draft Contract of Bead Subgrantees.
- A live walkthrough was provided during OBD’s office hours on 1/28, and a recording of the BEAD Grantor Portal Demonstration has been posted.
- The Final List of BEAD Eligible Locations were approved by NTIA on January 17, 2025, and added to the OBD BEAD webpage.
- New BEAD Frequently Asked Questions have been posted on the BEAD Subgrantee selection process, Pre-Qualification process, and general BEAD FAQs. These FAQs will be updated regularly throughout the Pre-Qualification process and Subgrantee selection. If you have a question about the BEAD program in Minnesota, please email those to deed.broadband@state.mn.us.
OBD weekly office hours registration
Register now for weekly office hours to hear updates on the federal BEAD program in MN, the BEAD prequalification process, and answer questions on the registration portal. Office hours will be Tuesdays at 11am and run through April 1. Registration is open for the sessions below:
- February 4, register here
- February 11, Instead of office hours, OBD will be offering in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) a webinar on the new Safety-qualified Underground Telecommunications Installer Program. Register here to attend and visit the DLI webpage to learn more about the program.
- February 18, register here
- February 25, register here
- March 4, register here
- March 11, register here
- March 18, register here
- March 25, register here
- April 1, register here
Please email deed.broadband@state.mn.us with questions on the webinar or office hours.
Digital Opportunity update
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) recently released a new report titled The State of Digital Inclusion in the States. This report offers a comprehensive assessment and celebration of states’ digital opportunity work across six areas. Rather than looking only at state broadband offices, this research takes a broad approach, incorporating digital opportunity work occurring across state agencies. Minnesota is highlighted in the areas of affordability/adoption and data – OBD appreciates these efforts immensely as we all work toward a connected Minnesota.
Broadband Task Force, February meeting plans
The Broadband Task Force will be meeting on Thursday February 13 at 10am. This meeting will be held virtually and is open to anyone from the public to attend. The Teams link to join the meeting will be included as usual at the top of the meeting agenda, which will be posted along with other information on past meetings on the Broadband Task Force webpage.
OBD is hiring – Broadband Environmental/Land Use Coordinator
Apply by February 7, 2025 for the Broadband Environmental/Land Use Coordinator position. This position is responsible for overseeing and coordinating professional program coordination for DEED’s state and federally funded broadband grant projects. Key duties include providing coordination, consultation, training, and technical guidance, as well as ensuring compliance with state and federal permitting laws and land use policies.
Find more information on the position and the application here: State Program Administrator Coordinator – Broadband Environmental/Land Use Coordinator – Job ID 83472