Monthly Archives: May 2025

MN Conference Committee meet on omnibus agriculture and broadband development policy and finance bill

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MN Conference Committee met on Friday (May 9, 2025) to move forward toward reconciliation of the omnibus agriculture and broadband development policy and finance bill. According to the Sessions Daily…

“At this point, it’s as clear as mud,” Sen. Aric Putnam (DFL-St. Cloud) said Friday.

He and Rep. Paul Anderson (R-Starbuck) chair the conference committee on HF2446.

Not that their situation is much different from any other conference committee, it is after all the whole raison d’être of conference committees to come up with compromise legislation.

But this one is lopsided in the policy differences, which was made clear when nonpartisan staff did a walkthrough of House- and Senate-only provisions at their first meeting. There are no overlapping policy provisions between the bodies version of the bill.

Anderson also made note of that unique situation but also commented it’s imperative the committee completes its important work.

“It’s a tough time to show a profit margin in production agriculture,” he said. “We need to do what we can to help agriculture flourish in our great state.”

Both co-chairs said solving the fiscal and policy differences can’t commence until the committee receives its budget target from legislative leaders.

The budget seems simpatico for broadband…

Each version would appropriate $2 million in the biennium to the Office of Broadband Development to increase high-speed internet access across the state.

 

Congrats to Benya Kraus and Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation for her new position as President and CEO

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The Republican Eagle reports…

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) this week announced the appointment of Benya Kraus as its next president and CEO, effective June 16. Kraus succeeds Tim Penny, who has served the foundation with distinction for nearly two decades.

A nationally recognized rural leader and social entrepreneur, Kraus brings a deep personal commitment to southern Minnesota and a career defined by advancing rural vitality across the country. As part of a sixth-generation family native to Waseca County, she embodies what it means to choose to live and work in rural Minnesota as a powerful, intentional commitment to community and opportunity.

“Benya represents not just the future of SMIF, but the future of rural philanthropy across Minnesota and beyond,” said Shawn Vogt Sween, SMIF board chair. “She brings an extraordinary combination of vision, humility, operational excellence, and a deep personal tie to our region. We could not be more excited for this next chapter.”

Benya most recently served as Network Advancement Director at Resource Rural, supporting a national portfolio of rural development organizations in securing nearly $300 million in federal and state grants over the last year. She previously co-founded and scaled Lead For America, a nationwide nonprofit investing in emerging rural leaders, and led strategic partnerships that secured over $60 million for broadband expansion, early childhood initiatives, and small-town revitalization projects. She holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business with concentrations in finance and entrepreneurship.

Benya is well known to the Blandin Foundation, starting with her work as Executive Director for Lead for Minnesota. She is instrumental in raising the profile of the work of digital navigators and encouraging young people to become navigators and small towns to work them through the Lead for Minnesota program. She is smart and focused on doing what’s right for rural Minnesota.

Update on Connect Willmar Initiative – open access network in Kandiyohi County

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I wrote about the new Connection Willmar Initiative portal earlier this week, but the West Central Tribune has an update…

The Connect Willmar Initiative marketplace had 65 sign-ups prior to the evening meeting of the Willmar City Council on Monday. The site had launched three days prior to that on May 2.

That information was part of an update from City Operations Director Kyle Box on the Connect Willmar Initiative, a city effort to construct a $24.5 million open-access, high-speed fiber network throughout the city of Willmar.

The marketplace website, which can be reached from the city website at willmarmn.gov, allows residents to sign up for services and for project updates, while allowing the city to gauge residents’ and businesses’ interest.

The interest shown by the city’s residents and businesses will help assure the council and the city that the network will pay for itself as designed.

Gateway Fiber building broadband in Shoreview (Ramsey County)

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Business Wire reports…

With the cut of a ribbon, high-speed internet provider Gateway Fiber has officially started construction on its 100% fiber-optic internet service to Shoreview, Minnesota, bringing residents and businesses access to symmetrical multi-gig connectivity that will transform their internet experience. This expansion is part of Gateway Fiber’s ongoing efforts to enhance internet connectivity across the Minneapolis metro area.

More information…

Shoreview residents will receive timely updates as construction progresses, including information on connecting to the new service. Each neighborhood under construction will be informed of progress through door hangers, with contact information for questions. Residents and businesses in Shoreview can visit gatewayfiber.com to check availability, sign up for service, and receive updates on the construction process.

President Trump says he would end the Digital Equity Act

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I’m borrowing the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society’s summary of the New York Times report…

President Donald Trump said he would end the Digital Equity Act, legislation that funds three programs that provide billions to extend internet access in underserved communities. Trump is casting the Digital Equity Act as unfairly providing grants on the basis of race. “I have spoken with my wonderful Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, and we agree that the Biden/Harris so-called “Digital Equity Act” is totally UNCONSTITUTIONAL,” says the President. “No more woke handouts based on race!” Trump’s move is only the latest by his administration to target diversity, equity or inclusion measures, which his conservative supporters argue discriminate against white Americans. “The Digital Equity Program is a RACIST and ILLEGAL $2.5 BILLION DOLLAR giveaway. I am ending this IMMEDIATELY, and saving Taxpayers BILLIONS OF DOLLARS!,” he added.

Re-Introduced Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act put some onus on “Big Tech”

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Broadband Breakfast reports…

The Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2025 proposes to reform the $9 billion Universal Service Fund, which supports broadband access in rural and Tribal areas. Sponsored by Senators Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., the bill enjoys bipartisan (Republican and Democrat) support from over five national trade associations, 48 state associations, and 350 American rural broadband providers.

The bill updates Section 254 of the Communications Act to include broadband and edge providers (e.g., Big Tech) as USF contributors. Within 18 months of passage, the Federal Communications Commission will conduct a rulemaking to establish equitable, nondiscriminatory contributions from these providers. The legislation limits the FCC’s authority to this specific reform, ensuring a focused approach.

Universal service refers to the principle or policy of making essential public services like telecommunications available to all people, regardless of their location, income level, or other barriers.

Why include Big Tech?

Big Tech firms garner some $200 billion annually in revenue from USF-funded regions without contributing to the $9 billion program. Strand Consult has documented this and other dynamics its report “Ending Big Tech’s Free Ride on USF”, part of a series on USF reform.

Each USF-connected household drives at least $1,500 yearly to Big Tech’s revenue. Firms in USF areas drive an additional $20,000 each in revenue to Big Tech. In a typical rural network, every $1 of Big Tech’s streaming subscription revenue correlates with $0.48 in unrecovered broadband network costs, with up to 80% of broadband network resources and 90% of broadband network costs tied to the top eight internet brands. Since becoming an online company, Netflix has doubled the price of its premium subscription without having to increase its broadband access cost. Meanwhile the price of broadband has fallen dramatically.

Moreover, 25% of broadband network traffic is advertising, which consumers pay for at the same rate as desired content, even though they do not request it. A similar dynamic is underway with IoT devices and machines which also generate traffic and consume resources; electric vehicles generate some 5 GB per day of sensor data when they plug in to home broadband networks.

MN House updates to HF47: provisions governing the certification of underground telecommunications installers modified

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The MN House reports an updated version of HF47 …

Journal Of the House – 32nd -Wednesday, May 7, 2025 – Top of Page 3197(22) provide a completion certificate when the course and exam have been completed and the provider has verified the completion.  Electronic certificates are sufficient and shall include the name of the provider, date and location of the course, educational program identification that was provided by the department, hours of instruction or continuing education hours, and licensee’s or attendee’s name and license, certification, or registration number or the last four digits of the licensee’s or attendee’s Social Security number; and

(23) allow the commissioner the ability to electronically review the class to determine if credit can be approved.

(e) The final examination must be either an encrypted online examination or a paper examination that is monitored by a proctor who certifies that the student took the examination.

Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 326B.198, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.  Installation requirements.  (a) The installation of underground telecommunications infrastructure that is located within ten feet of existing underground utilities or that crosses the existing underground utilities must be performed by safety-qualified underground telecommunications installers as follows:

(1) the location of existing utilities by hand- or hydro-excavation or other accepted methods must be performed by a safety-qualified underground telecommunications installer; and

 

(2) where telecommunications infrastructure is installed by means of directional drilling, the monitoring of the location and depth of the drill head must be performed by a safety-qualified underground telecommunications installer; and.

 

(3) no fewer than two safety-qualified underground telecommunications installers must be present at all times at any location where telecommunications infrastructure is being installed by means of directional drilling.

 

(b) Beginning July 1, 2025, all installations of underground telecommunications infrastructure subject to this subdivision within the seven-county metropolitan area must be performed by safety-qualified underground telecommunications installers that meet the requirements of this subdivision.

 

(c) (b) Beginning January 1, 2026, all installations of underground telecommunications infrastructure subject to this subdivision within this state must be performed by safety-qualified underground telecommunications installers that meet the requirements of this subdivision.

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment.

 

Sec. 7.  Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 326B.198, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.  Certification Standards.  (a) The commissioner of labor and industry, in consultation with the Office of Broadband, shall approve standards for a safety-qualified underground telecommunications installer certification program that requires a person to:

(1) complete a 40-hour initial course that includes classroom and hands-on instruction covering proper work procedures for safe installation of underground utilities, including:

(i) regulations applicable to excavation near existing utilities;

(ii) identification, location, and verification of utility lines using hand- or hydro-excavation or other accepted methods;

Broadband Development Update May 7, 2025: Next BEAD grant round set to open May 27, 2025

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • BEAD updates
  • Governor’s Task Force on Broadband, meeting in May
  • Resource reminder: Broadband Development Tuesday Training Series, Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, Minnesota Historical Society, and the Office of the State Archaeologist
  • Welcome to our new staff in the Office of Broadband Development!

BEAD updates

The opening date for the second round of subgrantee selection for the BEAD program, 11b, has moved, and 11b is now planned to open on May 27, 2025.  

This change in date is a result of the number and complexity of applications submitted during the first round, 11a, of subgrantee selection. To ensure sufficient time for careful review of the applications and revision requests, OBD is extending the period between the close of 11a and opening of 11b. Updates have been reflected on the OBD BEAD webpage and to the BEAD Call for Applications.  

The Application Information Session and Office Hours for 11b have been rescheduled. If you signed up, an email was sent with the new dates. If you haven’t yet signed up, registration links are open below:  

Additionally, the Minnesota BEAD Contractor Directory continues to be available as a resource and is a voluntary list consisting of the names and contact information of the contractors and subcontractors that have requested to be included in the directory. To be listed in the directory, complete and submit the Minnesota BEAD Contractor Directory Form. 

Governor’s Task Force on Broadband, meeting in May

The Broadband Task Force will be meeting on Thursday May 15 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 at the top of the meeting agenda, which will be posted along with other information on past meetings on the Broadband Task Force webpage.

More information on this and past meetings can be found on the Broadband Task Force webpage. 

Resource reminder: Broadband Development Tuesday Training Series, Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, Minnesota Historical Society, and the Office of the State Archaeologist

In April 2024, OBD hosted the Broadband Development Tuesday Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems). As Minnesota reenters construction season, this series has valuable reminders and resources from agency experts providing an overview of their agency, and information on current processes, timelines, goals, and best practices working on broadband projects and with broadband grantees. 

The Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, Minnesota Historical Society, and the Office of the State Archaeologist held a joint session and provided an overview of Minnesota’s two primary statutes governing archaeological resources: the Private Cemeteries Act (Minn. Stat. 307.08) and the Field Archaeology Act (Minn. Stat.138.31-42); a discussion on licensing, including qualifications needed to work in Minnesota; and a consultation with MIAC regarding American Indian cemetery sites, the licensing process, and work standards. Resources from that session, including the presentation’s recording, are available on the OBD webinars page.  

Welcome to our new staff in the Office of Broadband Development!

Megan Messerole, Broadband Environmental/Land Use Coordinator 

Megan joins us with a background in archaeology and history. As a former Cultural Resource Manager for USDA, she is no stranger to natural and cultural resource compliance for state and federal programs. She looks forward to working with grant applicants, agencies, and other partners to deliver vital broadband services while also preserving our significant resources.

Outside of the office, she enjoys being outdoors hiking and exploring and spending quality time with her husband and toddler. She also enjoys reading and dabbles in watercolor painting.

Connect Willmar Initiative now accepting fiber pre-orders

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The West Central Tribune reports…

The city of Willmar on Friday announced the launching of its online marketplace for the Connect Willmar Initiative.

The Connect Willmar Initiative is a community-driven effort to bring open-access, high-speed fiber internet to the city of Willmar, according to the news release.

“The launch of the marketplace marks an exciting milestone in our mission to deliver fast, reliable and affordable broadband to every corner of Willmar,” Willmar City Councilor Justin Ask said in the news release. “This is more than just internet — it’s about creating access, opportunity and a connected future for our entire community.”

The city has engaged the resources of Silverlight Fiber Network, which specializes in open-access networks, to provide a digital platform for information and customer sign-ups.

The Connect Willmar Initiative Marketplace, available now at silverlight-fiber.com/willmar, allows residents and businesses to view, select and compare the services and pricing of all participating internet service providers, according to the news release.

MN eNews May 2025: BEAD questions and MN Legislature

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ENews is back. Last month, eNews was compiled and posted online, but not sent via email as the email software was getting an upgrade.

MN Broadband Task Force April 2025 hears from Department of Labor and Industry
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.

State News   

Federal

Vendor/Technology News

Office of Broadband Development Updates and News:

Local Broadband News

Arlington
A view from Arlington MN on current MN broadband legislation

Bemidji
Thousands Gather in Bemidji for GigaZone Gaming Championship & TechXpo

Brownsville
Brownsville City Council supports Acentek application (Houston County)

Carver and Scott Counties
Comcast to expand broadband to Prior Lake, Savage, Victoria and Waconia

Ely
Ely City Council supports HF1740 Equal access to broadband bill

Faribault County
Mediacom brings multi-gig access in Wells and Winnebago MN

Itasca County
Paul Bunyan Communications is expanding the GigaZone to Coleraine and Bovey

North Branch
East Central Energy to bring fiber to North Branch

Park Rapids
Park Rapids MN (Hubbard County Veteran Service Office) get telehealth system for vets

St Louis County
Paul Bunyan Communications adds 350 more locations to fiber expansion plan in Northern MN (St Louis County)
Paul Bunyan Communications to bring FTTH to more than 1,600 more locations in 2025

Sherburne County
Sherburne County supports BEAD applications with four broadband providers

Upcoming Events, Opportunities and Resources

 

New MN bill introduced: HF3295 authorizing Open meeting broadcasting through social media

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The MN House of Representatives reports…

Gordon introduced:

H. F. 3295, A bill for an act relating to Open Meeting Law; authorizing meeting broadcasting through social media; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13D.065.

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary Finance and Civil Law.

Here is the full bill as introduced:

A bill for an act
relating to Open Meeting Law; authorizing meeting broadcasting through social
media; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13D.065.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13D.065, is amended to read:

13D.065 USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA.

Subdivision 1.

Use by members.

The use of social media by members of a public body
does not violate this chapter so long as the social media use is limited to exchanges with all
members of the general public. For purposes of this section, email is not considered a type
of social media.

Subd. 2.

Broadcast use.

(a) A public body may use social media to live broadcast a
meeting subject to this chapter. A public body is not required to offer a social media comment
feature during a broadcast authorized under this subdivision. If a social media comment
feature is offered as a part of the broadcast, comments posted by members of the public
during the broadcast are not considered government records under section 15.17 or 138.17
unless the public body’s required notice under section 13D.04 and this subdivision provides
that the comments are a part of the meeting record. A public body that accepts comments
posted in a social media comment feature during a broadcast as public testimony must
establish rules of order for the comments and their discussion by the public body.

(b) A public body that uses social media to live broadcast a meeting pursuant to this
subdivision must state in the required notice under section 13D.04 that social media
broadcasting will occur and provide information about how the broadcast may be accessed.
If a public comment period is offered during the meeting, the notice must state the process
for the submission of public comments before or during the meeting from individuals viewing
the meeting remotely in order to be included in the meeting record. If a social media comment
feature will be offered as a part of the broadcast, the treatment of such comments for the
purposes of public testimony and the meeting record must be stated in the public notice.

(c) Nothing in this subdivision authorizes a public body to conduct a meeting through
social media for the purposes of section 13D.015, 13D.02, or 13D.021 if the social media
technology does not meet the requirements for interactive technology under this chapter.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

MN Office of Broadband Development: Grant deadline moves as do coinciding meetings

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

The Office of Broadband Development is emailing to announce the anticipated date for the second round of subgrantee selection for the BEAD program, 11b, has moved, and 11b is now planned to open on May 27, 2025.

This change in date is a result of the number and complexity of applications submitted during the first round, 11a, of subgrantee selection. To ensure sufficient time for careful review of the applications and revision requests, OBD will extend the period between the close of 11a and opening of 11b. These updates will be reflected shortly on the OBD BEAD webpage.

Subsequently, OBD is rescheduling the Tuesday May 6, 11b Application Information Session and 11b Weekly Office hours. If you already registered for any of the events below you should have received emails updating on these changes.

We thank you for your continued collaboration and engagement with the office on the federal BEAD program.

Sherburne County supports BEAD applications with four broadband providers

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The Patriot reports...

The Sherburne County Board has again confirmed its commitment to bring broadband to all areas of the county.

Tuesday, the board approved individual letters of support and a commitment of $500 each to assist Frontier Communications, Midcontinent Communications (Midco), Arvig and Windstream in their pursuits of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program (BEAD) grant dollars for eligible projects located within Sherburne County.

BEAD Program provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed Internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs.

Frontier, Midco, Arvig, and Windstream all plan to submit individual BEAD grant applications for grant-eligible locations in Sherburne County. The application process awards points for both local support and for financial commitment.

Frontier’s project would connect 184 eligible locations in Clear Lake, Haven, and Palmer Townships.

Midco’s projects would connect eligible locations that include the cities of Baldwin and Elk River plus Big Lake, Blue Hill, Clear Lake, Haven, Livonia, Palmer, and Santiago townships. If each of the project areas were awarded funds, over 800 locations would be connected.

Arvig’s project would connect 51 eligible locations in Big Lake Township.

Windstream’s project would connect 294 eligible locations in Big Lake and Zimmerman.

EVENT June 12: Speeding BEAD Summit A one-day conference on expediting BEAD

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Broadband Breakfast reports…

Broadband Breakfast’s Speeding BEAD Summit will bring the key stakeholders together to consider the central issues around BEAD.

Panel 1: High-Cost Thresholds and the Future of Fiber in BEAD

The BEAD program originally allowed states to set their own high-cost thresholds when deciding whether to fund deployment through fiber, wireless, or satellite. Reports that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick might seek to deploy a federally-required high-cost cap might redirect funds towards “lower cost” solutions, particularly low-Earth orbit satellites, have raised questions. What are the pros and cons of a federal cap?

Panel 2: Finding the State Versus Federal Balance in BEAD

The design of the BEAD program under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act gave states considerable leeway to design and implement broadband builds. Will the Trump administration change this state-led approach? Many federal and state lawmakers are warning against changes to BEAD. But many broadband providers say they would welcome relief from some onerous rules surrounding BEAD deployment.

Panel 3: The New Need: AI Skills Training

By whatever name, successful broadband deployment efforts require digital adoption and digital training. The rapidly accelerating role of artificial intelligence has, in fact, created a new need for AI Skills Training. Might efforts at digital inclusion and workforce skills training now include AI skills training?

SF908 passes in Senate to provide revisions on broadband installer training and certification

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The Minnesota DFL reports..

Today, the Minnesota Senate passed legislation authored by Senator Rob Kupec (DFL-Moorhead) which will help accelerate broadband installation while upholding strong labor and safety standards. The bill passed in a unanimous vote of 64 – 0 .

The bipartisan legislation, SF 908, will require any workers installing underground broadband in Minnesota to have a broadband safety certification beginning on January 1, 2026.

“Everyone deserves access to high-speed broadband internet in Minnesota, but we must make sure that this broadband expansion is done safely by workers trained to do it,” said Sen. Kupec. “With support from labor, industry, and community leaders, this bill updates and aligns state policy to protect workers and help us meet our broadband goals.”

The bill also removes the requirement to have at least 2 workers on site for an installation, while leaving requirements that any worker performing specific tasks have the necessary certification. The bill also allows broadband training providers to provide credit toward certification for workers if their past coursework happened within two years of the upcoming January 1, 2026 deadline.