From the Office of Broadband Development…
Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates
- Register today! April 29, Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit
- Broadband Task Force, April meeting plans
- Line Extension Connection Program, Round 5 updates
- Virtual Broadband Development Training Series, final session today, April 23
Register today! April 29, Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Office of Broadband Development is hosting the Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. This in-person event will bring together national leaders, internet service providers, federal, state, tribal, and local government partners, and broadband advocates from across Minnesota. Connecting people to resources, information, and each other is critical to Minnesota’s economic stability and digital opportunity. Afternoon breakout sessions will cover key topics on BEAD implementation, as well as sessions on permitting, mapping, and digital skills.
The summit will be held at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center (6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center, MN 55434).
We are committed to providing equal access to this conference for all participants. If you need alternative formats or other reasonable accommodations, please contact mndeedevents@state.mn.us by the close of business on Friday, April 17, 2026.Broadband Task Force, April meeting plans
The Broadband Task Force will be meeting on Wednesday, April 29 from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. CT during the Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit. This meeting will be held in-person and is open to anyone from the public to attend, however, tickets are required to enter. Registration information is available above and on the event webpage.
More information on this and past meetings can be found on the Broadband Task Force webpage.
Line Extension Connection Program, Round 5 updates
The Round 5 Provider Bidding Application and Line Extension Program Guide, with guidance for the fast-tracked round, have been posted to the Line Extension Connection Program webpage along with an expected timeline (dates subject to change):
- Bidding Window Opened: April 22, 2026
- Bids Due: May 22, 2026 by 1:30 p.m. CT
Registration remains open for residents and businesses for future rounds of the Line Extension Connection Program and OBD expects to announce a sixth round of the program with standard timelines using state funds later in 2026.
More information and registration are available on the Line Extension Connection Program webpage. For assistance completing the application or to request a paper form to complete, please call 651-259-7610 or email DEED.broadband@state.mn.us.
Virtual Broadband Development Training Series, final session today, April 23
OBD has been working alongside other state agencies on streamlining environmental reviews and permitting efforts for broadband infrastructure projects across Minnesota. Originally held in 2024, this April, OBD and state agency partners will offer four new webinar sessions through a revised Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems).
The final session will feature an overview from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) on processes and updates, including how to submit archaeological survey reports as part of review.
This session will be recorded and shared on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage.