From the Office of Broadband Development...
Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates
- Section 106, federal updates
- Broadband Task Force, August meeting recap
- Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) updates
- Line Extension Connection Program, registration open for residents and businesses
Section 106, federal updates
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) has proposed revisions to the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106 regulations (36 C.F.R. Part 800). Changes are aimed at streamlining and clarifying federal historic preservation review. OBD is working to understand how, if finalized, the proposal could impact agencies and broadband project applicants trying to navigate the changes, specifically broadband. Additional resources to understand the 106 review process and proposed changes include:
- NTIA’s National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106, Consultation Process Fact Sheet
- ACHP’s Votes to Move Forward with Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
- National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Federal Permitting Reform Process 101
Please contact OBD at DEED.broadband@state.mn.us with any questions.
Broadband Task Force, August meeting recap
The Governor’s Task Force on Broadband met August 13 and heard a presentation from the Association for Small & Rural Libraries Kate Laughlin, Executive Director, and Brooke Van Eyk, Development Director. Additionally, there was a presentation from C-Tech’s Sara Syverson on Broadband Workforce Training: Building Career Pathways Through Hands-On Learning. OBD provided general office updates, as well as those on state and federal broadband programs.
Information from this and past meetings, as well as the rest of the 2026 meeting schedule, can be found on the Broadband Task Force webpage.
Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) updates
OBD is continuing to work through required project scope changes and preparing contracts for execution. These scope changes often include removing locations newly identified as already served or re‑awarding locations when providers decline an award. Updated information and resources can be found on the OBD BEAD webpage.
- Reminder! Register for the NTIA permitting webinar later TODAY, Wednesday August 26 at 2pm CT: Permitting That Delivers: Practical Tools & Strategies for Broadband Buildouts
The NTIA must approve project scope changes and has informed OBD the review process can take several weeks. The current federal contracting deadline is October 8, 2026.
Providers and community members can contact OBD at DEED.broadband@state.mn.us with questions.
Line Extension Connection Program, registration open for residents and businesses
Registration remains open for residents and businesses for future rounds of the Line Extension Connection 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.
More information and registration are available on the Line Extension Connection Program webpage.