From the Office of Broadband Development…
Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates
- BEAD updates
- Line Extension Connection Program update + bids due 1:30pm 11/25/25
- Broadband Task Force, November meeting recap
- National Rural Health Day, celebrating the power of rural!
- Broadband in the news
BEAD updates
This week, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced the approval of 18 Final Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. Although Minnesota was not included in the first tranche, its plan remains on track for approval by December 4, 2025, consistent with NTIA’s 90-day review timeline. Submitted on September 4, the plan is currently in the “curing” stage, during which NTIA requests adjustments or clarifications. The 90-day review period ends on December 4, and approval is expected on or around that date.
Continue to watch for updates! The OBD BEAD webpage will be undergoing changes, along with new and additional resources being added.
Line Extension Connection Program update + bids due 1:30pm 11/25/25
The Round 4 Line Extension bidding window opened, September 26, 2025 and bids are due by 1:30pm CST on November 25, 2025.
OBD expects the round to have $3.5M in Capital Projects Fund (CPF) dollars available to grant. Information and resources on Line Extension are posted to the OBD Line Extension Connection Program webpage. OBD also expects to run a fifth round of Line Extension with state project funds.While the window for residential and business sign-ups to be included in the bidding for Round 4 of the Line Extension Connection Program has closed, registration will remain open for future rounds if and as funding is available.
Questions on Line Extension can be sent to deed.broadband@state.mn.us or (651)-259-7610.
Broadband Task Force, November meeting recap
The Governor’s Task Force on Broadband met virtually on November 13 and heard a presentation from Digitunity. Executive Director, Scot Henley, and Senior Director of Programs & Strategic Partnerships, Karisa Tashijan, shared on their work increasing computer ownership and a methodology for a sustainable computer ownership ecosystem, as well as components of supply, preparation and deployment. Thank you to Digitunity to presenting!
More information on this and past meetings can be found on the Broadband Task Force webpage.
National Rural Health Day, celebrating the power of rural!
November 20, 2025 recognizes National Rural Health Day, which is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the resiliency of rural healthcare providers, communities, organizations, and other partners dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of Americans who live in rural communities. Minnesota’s Office of Rural Health and Primary Care (ORHPC) has more information on how to get involved and learn more on their webpage.
A 2025 Rural Health Care in Minnesota Chartbook is also available online as a resource for data on rural Minnesota’s health care system, workforce, availability of services, use, and financing. Additional data from the ORHPC includes a 2024 Telehealth Spotlight, with results from telehealth workforce surveys about providers, patients, and services.
Broadband in the news