From the MN Office of Broadband Development…
Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates
- Line Extension Connection Program updates
- Broadband Task Force, May meeting recap
- OBD resource update, new Maps and Data, Environmental Permitting and Reports webpage
- Broadband in the news
Line Extension Connection Program updates
The bidding window for the fast-tracked Round 5 closed May 22, 2026 and submitted bids are under review and initial award offers are being sent.
Registration remains open for residents and businesses for future rounds of the program. 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.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.
Broadband Task Force, May meeting recap
The Broadband Task Force met virtually on Thursday May 21 and heard presentations from two Tribal broadband experts on workforce development, supply chain issues, and broadband expansion: Godfrey Enjady (President of the National Tribal Telecommunications Association-NTTA) and Anis Khemakhem (Chief Commercial Officer at Clearfield Inc.). Additionally, OBD’s executive director Bree Maki presented updates on the Line Extension Connection Program and the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.
More information on this and upcoming meetings can be found on the Broadband Task Force webpage.
OBD resource update, new Maps and Data, Environmental Permitting and Reports webpage
OBD has updated and consolidated resources on our webpage, including a new home for the interactive statewide Minnesota Broadband Map and new Environmental and Permitting Resources section on the Maps and Data, Environmental Permitting, and Reports webpage:
This page will be updated as additional resources are available, serve as a resource hub for archived broadband maps and reports, and works to meet accessibility standards for web content.
Please contact the office at deed.broadband@state.mn.us or 651-259-7610 if you have any questions or need materials provided in an alternate format for accessibility purposes.
Broadband in the news
Upcoming events of interest and recent broadband news to note includes:
- Register today for the National Tribal Telecommunications Association (NTTA) Midwest Region Tribal Broadband Summit, June 22-24 at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, MN. The 2026 NTTA Tribal Broadband Summit is the premier national gathering where Tribal Nations, federal agencies, telecommunications experts, and industry innovators come together with a shared purpose: to accelerate broadband deployment and strengthen digital sovereignty throughout Indian Country.
- Paul Bunyan Telephone Cooperative’s press release, Update on Broadband Expansion in Central Aitkin County and Gary Johnson receives Lifetime Achievement Award, congratulations to Gary on the recognition of his impact, including his time as CEO.
- Congratulations to Bevcomm’s Director of Operations, John Sonnek, for 50 years of service and dedication to broadband deployment (pictured below).