MN Broadband Task Force May meeting: Native networks, Clearfield on BABA, data centers and OBD updates
The MN Broadband Task Force heard from the National Tribal Telecommunications Association on the Connect New Mexico Broadband Tribal Working Group and overview of leadership on the National Tribal Telecommunications Association 2026 NTTA Broadband Midwest Regional Summit as well as from Clearfield Inc.on workforce development and BABA compliance and its practical implications on broadband deployment. Data centers (including micro-scale data centers) and AI were hot topics in both presentations.

Rural broadband advocates in MN hopeful that new law will prevent missed future funding
The Minnesota Star Tribune tells of grant funds lost because of light scrutiny on applicants for federal funding, in areas such as Le Sueur County. Broadband advocates are hoping that a new law will help protect loss in the future

State News   

• MN Star Tribune compare growth of AI and data centers with growth of broadband
• A MN bill for an act relating to telecommunications is signed into law (HF4052)
• Gateway Fiber asks FCC to get involved with rights-of-way issues in Minnesota
• FCC investigating potential fraud in E-Rate program in Minnesota
• New MN Bill: A bill for an act relating to taxation; sales and use; repealing the exemption for data centers HF5125
• New MN Bill: Open Meeting Law; meeting broadcasting through social media authorized HF3295
• Views on fiber from Fiber to the Future in Minnesota
• Candidate Klobuchar outlines priorities, including state funding for broadband

National News

• New report on impact of broadband access on modern life
• Community Networks offers a look at fiber in the US via Fiber First conference
• EVENT May 27: The State of Broadband Deployment: Progress, Gaps, and Early Outcomes
• Senators Barrasso and Lummis introduce bill to increase access to Broadband on Federal land
• State and Local Public Sector Innovation Act introduced in congress to establish a federal grant program
• Senators Luján and Matsui Introduce legislation to expand Digital Opportunity, Inclusion, and Literacy
• NTIA not happy about Wisconsin’s investment in broadband to homes BEAD leaves under or unserved
• Rural Broadband Protection Act requires the FCC to screen applicants for solvency before making awards

Vendor/Technology News

• The Daily Yonder looks at policy perspective changes of satellite
• Arvig Appoints Ben Wiechman as Chief Technology Officer
• 2026 Industry Broadband Pricing Index finds faster speeds and lower prices
• DCN, Range, and WIN Technology create Heartland Fiber Project to expand fiber in the Midwest
• Midco and Switch announce a multistate connectivity agreement supporting critical AI infrastructure in the Midwest
• Fiber Broadband says Precision Agriculture needs fiber
• REPORT: U.S. State of State of EdTech 2026 – cybersecurity, AI, procurement and teaching & learning

Office of Broadband Development Updates and News:

• Office of Broadband Update May 20: Line Extension, BEAD and upcoming meetings
• Connecting One Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit: Notes from Office of Broadband Development
• OBD Broadband Update May 6. 2026: Broadband Summit notes, Line Extension and Task Force notes

Local Broadband News

Aitkin
Paul Bunyan Communication announces Broadband Expansion in Central Aitkin County

Iron Range
IRRR’s 2027 budget includes infrastructure/broadband

Scott, Waseca, Nicollet, Le Sueur and McLeod Counties
Mediacom Communications announces 5-Gig in parts of Scott, Waseca, Nicollet, Le Sueur and McLeod Counties

Southwest MN
Telehealth is going mobile in the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota

Superior (WI)
City of Superior (WI) expands ConnectSuperior broadband by 1000 locations

Twin Cities
Student works with seniors to create online world that merges current and historical look of neighborhood

Willmar
Groundbreaking for Willmar Connect, a city-owned, citywide broadband project, happened May 12
Willmar Council seeks bids to turn former wastewater treatment plant into the network operations center for Willmar Connect.
EVENT May 12: Windom City Council to hear Windomnet acquisition proposals

Upcoming Events, Opportunities and Resources

• EVENT June 18: MN Broadband Task Force Meeting
• EVENT Aug 13: MN Broadband Task Force Meeting
• EVENT Sept 16: MN Broadband Task Force Meeting
• EVENT Oct 8: MN Broadband Task Force Meeting
• EVENT Nov 12: MN Broadband Task Force Meeting
• EVENT Dec 10: MN Broadband Task Force Meeting
• OPPORTUNITY: Community Connect Grants applications due June 29 2026
• OPPORTUNITY: USDA Accepts Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Applications open to improve access to remote education and health care in rural communities