MN Broadband Task Force Meeting Nov 2025: computer ownership and the annual report
The Task Force learned about computer ownership at the last meeting. The Office of Broadband Development (OBD) gave an update on BEAD and other work. OBD is planning a broadband conference on April 29, 2026, at the Heritage Center. The Task Force sub-committee groups met for the second half of the meeting to discuss their annual report, due by the end of the year.
MN Office of Broadband Development Performance Report for 2025
The OBD report details Minnesota’s use of its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Capital Projects Fund (CPF) allocation. OBD administers the broadband infrastructure programs, and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) administers the Community Facilities program.
Data center projects in Minnesota are running into issues
Data Centers have been in the news lately – and on several county and city council agendas. The MN Star Tribune reports…
The influx of data centers has sparked debate over whether the facilities will help or hurt Minnesota’s ambitions for a carbon-free electric grid. Some data center projects have drawn local controversy for their proximity to houses, potential water use and secrecy.
State News
- Did your county get any of the $20 million in MN Line Extension grants in the last three rounds?
- Report indicates issues with rural healthcare in rural MN – telehealth hs not bridging the gap
- Legislative Commission on Data Practices talks about data privacy, retention, health apps and automated license plate readers
- Minnesota Public Broadband Alliance Meeting: Federal look at BEAD from Gigi Sohn
- Minnesota applies for $1B in rural health care funds to offset Medicaid cuts especially in rural MN
- Some MN families are getting home phones again
- MN schools experience speech pathologist shortage – but telehealth could help
- Minnesota applies for $1 billion for health care support including telehealth
- Senator Tina Smith has broadband questions for Glen Smith, nominee to serve as undersecretary for rural development at the Department of Agriculture
Federal
- What are the economic benefits of broadband to a household?
- House Commerce Democrats tell Administration to implement BEAD Congress intended
- White House launches the Genesis Mission to promote and support AI
- Bipartisan bill to fast-track broadband expansion by smoothing access to rights of way
- Senator introduces bill to strengthen communications access on tribal lands
- The FCC and Congress make moves to streamline broadband permitting at federal level
- Digital equity advocates ask Congress to release the Affordable Connectivity Program
- Research shows that seniors are least apt to use telehealth as assisted living residents followed by nursing home
- Industry Association (ACA) wants FCC to preempt state laws on permitting, rates
- NTIA Announces Tribal Broadband Program Reforms to Maximize Tribal Connectivity and Reduce Red Tape
- Senate votes for agriculture bill with $109 million for rural broadband
- Concerns over recommendations to reallocate IIJA/BEAD funds to deficit reduction
- Senators Cantwell and Schatz ask for answers on Trump Administration’s delay of nearly $1 billion in tribal broadband grants
- BEAD recipients can continue to receive opex Subsidies for existing networks
Vendor/Technology News
- Benton looks at WISPs’ place in BEAD
- USTelecom 2025 Pricing Index shows lower costs and higher speeds for broadband
- Midco acquires SCI Broadband in Minnesota Network Expansion
- Are existing satellite power rules outdated? Experts discuss at recent conference
- NDIA looks at why AI is important in digital inclusion
- Research on Addressing Homelessness Through Equitable Design on TikTok
- Trend indicates that broadband providers are focusing on customer service
- Rethinking the smart city as an intelligent archway: research report
Office of Broadband Development Updates and News:
- OBD Updates Nov 19, 2025: Line Extension bids due Nov 25, 2025
- Office of Broadband Development Updates Nov 6, 2025 Task Force Meeting notes
Local Broadband News
Coleraine
Paul Bunyan Communications expands FTTH to 480+ homes and businesses in Coleraine
Dakota County
How do Data Centers Impact Dakota County? a Forum held in Farmington MN on August 20, 2025
Itasca and St Louis Counties
Paul Bunyan Communications’ broadband expansion continues in Itasca and St. Louis Counties
Nobles County
Lismore Coop talking to Nobles County about extending FTTH to Rushmore and Ellsworth
Rochester
Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual STEAM summit for students
Sherburne County
Sherburne County to expands Arvig Elk River and Haven/Clear Lake Broadband Grant Program
South Central MN
Data Center Forum Follow Up: notes from the South-Central Minnesota Data Center Forum on November 12
Data Center Forum Event Nov 12 in North Mankato: the start of a community discussion
Upcoming Events, Opportunities and Resources