Today the MN Broadband Task Force met and heard from the Department of Labor and Industry about training and certification for broadband installers, a timely topic as the MN Legislature looks at amending rules that passed last session requiring training and certification for broadband installers. They also heard from very satisfied customers of the Line Extension program. It’s great to see how local residents, providers and the Office of Broadband Development can work together to fill these small, but deep holes in the broadband infrastructure in some rural areas.

Notes, PowerPoints and questions:

10:00 a.m. – 10:05 a.m.               Welcome

Teddy Bekele, Chair, Minnesota Governor’s Task Force on Broadband

10:05 a.m. – 10:10 a.m.  Approval of minutes from March Task Force Meeting

10:10 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.  Department of Labor and Industry Presentation
The Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) will provide updates on the Safety Qualified Underground Telecommunications Installer program based on the current state law.

Sean O’Neil, Director of Licensing & Enforcement, Construction Codes and Licensing Division, DLI

 

Questions

How many certificated trainers are there?
There are currently 12 certified trainers on the website – but there are more, who aren’t listed.

Are they all available for contractors? We hear a lot are in-house only
Have to track back.

We hear that there’s a huge financial fee from state to set this up.
There was no funding involved in this change, so we wrapped it into what we already do. There is no fee required.

Have to seen this in the field yet?
no

Info from Bree Maki in chat: https://mn.gov/deed/programs-services/broadband/webinars/

10:40 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.               Office of Broadband Development Overview + BEAD and Digital Opportunity Updates

Bree Maki, Executive Director, OBD

BEAD Update – still uncertainties. No new information. So OBD is forging ahead. First BEAD round will close on April 21. OBD is using the new model. Next round will open around May 7.

• Waiting to lean more on new NTIA.
• Working on budget modifications to align with changes. Trying to support other state agencies and streamlining processes.
• Submitted a letter to support BEAD and MN’s focus on fiber first.
• Final proposal requires us to have a plan for every unserved location.

Questions

Any movement on high cost threshold?
Nothing new has been said. MN needs to set a threshold. OBD is waiting for results of first two rounds. OBD is concerned that the threshold will be set low at the national level. That means we won’t be able to use fiber for many last miles.

How are first round applications looking?
We don’t’ have that information available yet. We need to verify applications before we share info. We had 40 prequalification providers.

Digital Equity – lots of uncertainty. Equity is a tricky topic these days but OBD has not been given any information. We continue to forge ahead. OBD is working on an RFP and it has been approved. Working with MN service cooperatives to help every county receive $30,000 from noncompetitive grants. Counties with high poverty and unemployment, may get more money. We have $5 million for noncompetitive. Next OBD will work on competitive grants.

Border to Border Update – a busy time of year. OBD is doing site visits. Seeing good activity in round 9. There are some older rounds that are working to complete projects too. OBD works with Connected Nation on compliance. Ther are about 120 programs going at any one time.

Line Extension Update– working on round 4 for Line Extension. Trying to get through BEAD first – to see where the need is.

General Updates – Diane retired. Jenn Frost was promoted. Kerry also promoted. Will be hiring soon – grant administrator senior positions. New person will start soon. Meeting with partners in State regularly.

From chat: Template Bree mentioned: Identification of Non-BSLs for BEAD TEMPLATE

11:00 a.m. – 11:05 a.m.               Legislative Update

Enjoying legislative break. Third deadline has passed. Omnibus bills will happen next. They will no through Ways & Means, Finance and then onto the floors. House and Senate are not in agreement now. All PBD funding in now in Ag Bill. Funding is the same as last year.

Senate did pass the amended bill from last year. They are working quickly due to deadlines required in last year’s bill.

11:05 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.               Break

11:15 a.m.—12:00 p.m.                Line Extension Grantee Panel
Grantees of the Line Extension Connection Program (LECP) will discuss provide background, discuss their experiences with LECP, and the impacts of the program.

Kyle Beuning, Plant Manager, Sytek

They have received funding. They are waiting to hear on ReConnect. One problem is that the maps are showing that certain locations are served and they aren’t. They have found that Line Extension is a way to reach areas like that. They match the Line Extension with company investment.

Some of these areas are new building developments – maybe 10 miles out of town. They are looking for Line Extension to get them served. Customers can go from 3 Mbps to a Gig.

Scott Reimer, CEO-General Manager, Federated Rural Electric Association

They get a lot of support from counties (Cottonwood, Jackson and Martin). We serve broadband and electricity. They primarily serve fiber. Costs are about $20,000 per passing (in Southern MN).  The Line Extension program connected us to potential customers and helped will funding. It was very easy for us to work with folks who applied. Federated worked with OBD to maximize access and adoption.

Questions:

Any change you might want to see?
It’s working well. Would love to see it back on the table now.

12:00 p.m. – 12:20 p.m.               Other Business, May’s Meeting Plans

12:20 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.               Meeting Wrap-up