This was mentioned at the MN Task Force meeting yesterday, but an email just went out from the Office of Broadband Development…

Minnesota’s Office of Broadband Development has issued an urgent update on the status of Minnesota’s Digital Opportunity Plan.

Late last Friday, May 9, 2025, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) received notification from the federal government that it was immediately terminating the state’s $12 million grant from the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. This funding was intended to reduce gaps in broadband access and expand digital skills and technology availability. All states received the same notification of cancellation and are awaiting further guidance from the U.S. Department of Commerce regarding next steps.

Minnesota’s Digital Opportunity Plan, a deliverable from this program, focuses on ensuring every Minnesotan has the tools and skills needed to harness the full power of broadband and reap the benefits of a digital economy. The U.S. Department of Commerce had approved DEED’s Digital Opportunity Plan as part of the federal Digital Equity Act in 2024.

This sudden and unprecedented cancellation of awarded funding could hurt DEED’s work to expand broadband access and digital technology to Minnesotans who are most underserved: seniors, Greater Minnesota residents, veterans, low-income Minnesotans, people of color, people with disabilities, and more.

Due to this federal action, DEED will not be able to provide grants to local governments, organizations, and small businesses to ensure these Minnesotans have the tools and skills to access and use the internet and digital technology.  DEED is also forced to halt a planned statewide network of local experts to ensure Minnesotans everywhere have equitable access to get online.

Minnesota is a leader in delivering broadband, and we are committed to expanding service to underserved and unserved areas throughout the state. In light of this sudden cancellation, we are working with partners to determine how best to pursue the goals of our Digital Opportunity Plan.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to deed.broadband.equity@state.mn.us.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement.