The MN Broadband Task Force met today. They heard from the Hopkins Digital Access Initiative, an initiative to support seniors getting and using technology. They also heard from “women and broadband,” including information on Women in Technology.
News from the Office of Broadband Development. The Digital Opportunity funding has been terminated. That happened May 9 and OBD is still working on evaluating that situation. They are forging ahead with BEAD applications. They received 108 applications in round 11a; but only to cover 52 percent of BEAD eligible locations. There was overlap. They are holding off on opening BEAD Round 11b until more is known with federal expectations.
10:00 a.m. – 10:10 a.m. Welcome
Teddy Bekele, Chair, Minnesota Governor’s Task Force on Broadband
10:10 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Approval of minutes from April Task Force Meeting
10:15a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Hopkins Digital Access Initiative
A presentation on a collaborative community effort to develop a digital access plan in Hopkins. This multi-dimensional approach incorporates hyper-local research and deep engagement to inform a plan that will help ensure community members have the essential digital skills, tools, and support needed for everyday living in our digital world. This initiative offers a replicable and adaptable model for other communities.
Rebekah Crosby, Co-Founder, Connecting to Thrive
Carolyn Leslie, Co-Founder, Connecting to Thrive
Beth Kivett, Activity Center Program Coordinator, Hopkins Activity Center
Questions:
What are barriers for seniors?
Everything – device, access, skills. Patience.
How have local providers been engaged?
Stacy from Comcast was helpful.
Have you seen any wins?
Yes relationships are forming before our eyes. We work with libraries and community education.
Is this a good model for other communities?
Our hope is to create a replicable model.
What would you like us to tell legislators?
Digital navigators are important. Talk to the local communities.
10:45 a.m.—11:30 a.m. Women in Broadband Leadership Panel Perspectives from industry leaders on women’s role in broadband
Jill Huffman, Chief Executive Officer, Spring Grove Communications + MiBroadband
Kristi Westbrock, Chief Executive Officer/General Manager, Consolidated Telecommunications Company
Questions:
How do we encourage women to get into leadership roles?
We are starting a telecom 101 class series – starring women in the industry. They will be virtual.
Partner with tech colleges for talent scouting.
Go out and talk to women. Start them as interns and get them around the departments.
When is a good time in the career for folks to make decisions?
We often can see within 90 days if a job is right for them; they usually know within the year.
What can we do for you?
Continued advocacy. We need the DEI programs. Highlight the WIT program.
11:30 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. Break
11:40 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. Legislative Updates
- No budget target.
- Possibility of special session
- General funding (and pipeline safety funding) was approved in committees.
- Broadband installer law changes have been approved – because of efforts of all partners. DO deadlines are pushed back and hours of training have been reduced.
- There were other items that were on the table but this is the one that came to fruition.
11:50 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Office of Broadband Development Overview + BEAD and Digital Opportunity Updates
Bree Maki, Executive Director, OBD
- BEAD – still a lot of uncertainty. Lots of concern in the world – but no new guidance.
- We thought changes would be made maybe this week – but so far nothing.
- OBD – closed round 11a on April 21. 79,000 locations are BEAD eligible
- Received 108 applications – but only for 52 percent of locations were covered. Lots of overlap. Again – this was or fiber only
- Hoping interest in fiber continues
- Some locations in rural MN are less dense – we are concerned about loss of very remote locations. OBD will make determination of projects areas for next round of applications.
- We don’t know what changes might come. Forging ahead. But recognize that there’s a balance for moving forward and creating concern for applicants – we do not have an open date for round 11b yet.
- We had been doing office hours. May 20 – we will give updates to the program – not jump into next round of funding.
- DEA – we got a letter on Friday that terminated the digital equity funding – as of May 9, 2025.
- Don’t know what’s next. It was a law that was passed. Looking at what national actions might happen to impact this decision.
- We have agreements in place. We were expecting another $10 million. Trying to figure a way to do the work without funding. It’s complicated.
- We worked hard to make sure that the plan was Minnesota-first – not NTIA. So at least there’s a plan. But no money.
- 65 grants will be closing out in the next few months
- Semi-annual progress reports will happen again this summer.
- Working with Connect Nation doing map verification. Field validations have increased because round 7 is complete; expect more when round 8 is done in Dec 2025.
- We are looking at Line Extension grants opening again soon. Money must be spent by end on 2026.
- New staff person: Megan Messerole to work on environmental support.
Questions:
Is there anything we can do legislatively to bridge the gap?
No. Maybe task force could evaluate and recommend for next year. We have to look at the resources we have in place. Right now the funding was federal.
Are you working on a response? Or a date when you might announcements about the future.
OBD will not make legal decisions. That would be up to the State Attorneys.
Will FTTH application score better in round 11b or is it all equal?
We have points for fiber but low cost is weighted too.
12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Other Business, June’s Meeting Plans, Wrap-up