From the Office of Broadband Development…

Federal BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice

On Friday June 6, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released an updated Policy Notice modifying certain elements of the BEAD program. Minnesota’s Office of Broadband Development is working with federal, state and local partners to understand how this impacts our state’s ability to empower Minnesotans through the implementation of the federal BEAD program in our state.  

Our office has been working since 2021 to meet the federal BEAD guidelines as they have been provided and updated and ensure a program that not only meets those guidelines but also state statutes to expand reliable broadband access in Minnesota. OBD has worked with our trusted and valued community partners, internet service providers, across state agencies, and with many others to get broadband service to the unserved and underserved locations in Minnesota.   

The State of Minnesota has prioritized and invested in broadband programs that will improve people’s lives, and broadband is an essential economic development tool that helps Minnesota communities grow and thrive, gain workers and support business vitality. 

OBD is committed to continue our transparency in communications and sharing information and updates as we understand them. We will share this information as it is available on the OBD BEAD webpage, and at a BEAD Office Hours + Information Session, Tuesday June 17 at 11am. Please reach out with any questions or concerns to deed.broadband@state.mn.us.  

Thank you for your continued engagement with our office and in this process. We are committed to working together for all Minnesotans.  

Sincerely,  

Bree Maki, Executive Director 

Tuesday June 17, BEAD Office Hours Information + Update Session

OBD will hold an office hours session on Tuesday June 17 at 11am to provide updates as we know them on the federal changes to the BEAD program and take time for Q+A. Office hours will not be recorded unless otherwise noted but slides and other session materials will be posted to the OBD BEAD webpage. Register through the link below.