More than 30 people attended the Office of Broadband Development Office Hour today. They do a great job of outlining changes and updates but it’s a lot to understand and not everything is set in stone yet. Below are the PpowerPoint slides, notes and questions.

• Pre-qualification is open
• Trying to update the FAQ
• Trying to get application out soon – hopefully July 7
• Updating maps – especially with RDOF default additions
• Providers will be able to pick areas (working on that)
• Think there will only be one round of grants with these changes
• There will be new rules for priority technology assessments
• Rubric will really focus on cheapest
• Deconfliction of overlapping applications
• Here’s a link to the new info on BEAD on the OBD website: https://mn.gov/deed/programs-services/broadband/bead/
• There is a timeline – unfortunately a little behind but focused on getting applications
• Final OBD proposal for comment aiming for Aug 21
• OBD proposal due September 4

Questions:

Do you have details on what you might ask for priority justification? Data/narrative?
Folling NTIA guidance. Asked to demonstrate

Can you briefly go over again what you have already changed in the locations and what is still remaining to change? I heard you say you have new locations but have not published yet. Do you have an anticipated date for the final locations?
There were Lumen RDOF defaults were added and some no-BEADS that were removed – also unlicensed fixed wireless challenge. We’re hoping for next week. Wireless challenge is due Thursday. We are trying not to leave pending info because it leads to more uncertainty.

Benton recently wrote an article that “States still have a path to fiber with BEAD” using ARPA funds.  Is this possible in Minnesota?  Thanks!
To the extent there’s ARPA funding – yes. ARPA received at OBD was capitol funds – it was spent but there were some revolving funds. We hope to do more line extension with that funding in late summer.

Will there be any application guidance ahead of the portal opening and do you anticipate the portal being much different than the previous round?
There will be guidance, hopefully next week, before the portal is ready. We don’t expect a lot of changes. If anything, it will be streamlined to reflect the changes.

What version of fabric will be used going forward?
In some ways it’s version 6. It’s the underlying layer not the availability. We do see some issues with the locations we have been asked to be removed.

With only 1 grant round is OBD concerned that many locations may not get applied for and thus many locations will remain unserved or underserved?
Not sure. Maybe if applicants were expecting to win in round one and then come back for round two. But we’re working within the time constraints we have -so we’re hoping folks will be able to apply for all they can successfully deploy at the onset.

BEAD requires that we show internet to all. So if there are areas without applications, they will likely get colored with satellite coverage.

Will be able to modify our previous application in the portal or will a new application be required to be entered from scratch?
The intent is that we can do some carry forward with old applications. But you could do new if you chose.

How many years will LEO have to deliver services?
It’s in the guidance – these are capacity grants. We will add this to the FAQ .

When will the locations be finalized for the next round?
As soon as unlicensed fixed wireless challenge is complete – hopefully next week.

Will applicants be required to secure updated ILOC or evidence of match?
That would depend on what it is. We expect more guidance in the future.

Do you anticipate requiring new PE stamped maps for “carry forward” applications?
No.

OBD is working on application design. Please share any concerns. It is helpful to know.