From the Office of Broadband Development…
Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates
- OBD, in the field!
- Broadband Task Force, September meeting recap
- 25 Hours. One Connected World: A live global digital skills marathon expanding opportunity for all
- Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) updates
- Line Extension Connection Program, registration open for residents and businesses
OBD, in the field!
OBD staff have been busy continuing to perform site visits across the state for the Border to Border Broadband Grant Program and the Line Extension Connection Program to ensure infrastructure grant compliance and connect with grantees.
Since June, the team has gone on site visits for grantee projects with providers from Arvig, MiEnergy Cooperative, Paul Bunyan Communications, Woodstock Telephone Company, Meeker Coop Light and Power Association, Lismore Cooperative Telephone Co., Runestone Telecom Association, East Central Energy (ECE), Midco, Benton Cooperative Telephone Company, and Albany Mutual Telephone Association.
Additionally! Stream OBD’s Executive Director Bree Maki’s podcast episode with Connected Nation, which explores Minnesota’s broadband journey, the challenges of connecting communities across the state’s diverse landscape, and the lessons for other states as they enter the next phase of broadband deployment. Available online here: https://bit.ly/4h7F1I7.
Governor’s Broadband Task Force, September meeting recap
The Governor’s Broadband Task Force met last week, Wednesday September 16 and heard presentations from Amy Baldwin (Community Development Director, CDA & HRA Executive Director, Otter Tail County) and John Horrigan ( Senior Fellow, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society), as well as updates from OBD’s Bree Maki (Executive Director). The Task Force subgroups also met to discuss work on the upcoming annual report.
Information on upcoming meetings in 2026, well as past meetings, can be found on the Broadband Task Force webpage.
25 Hours. One Connected World: A live global digital skills marathon expanding opportunity for all
Connected Nation, longtime vendor and partner of OBD, is partnering with over 25 global organizations in a first-ever attempt to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the “longest internet literacy live stream,” aimed at expanding digital skills access worldwide.
This event, “25 Hours. One Connected World,” will run September 24-25, featuring 25 consecutive hours of live, expert-led digital skills training accessible globally as it follows the sun across six continents, starting in the United States, via live stream at bit.ly/CNWorldRecord beginning at 8 a.m. CT.
Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) updates
OBD is continuing to work through required project scope changes and preparing contracts for execution. Updated information and resources can be found on the OBD BEAD webpage including:
On September 3, 2026, the NTIA announced a new BEAD Supplemental Deployment Policy Notice that introduces an updated process for BEAD implementation. OBD continues to wait for NTIA to release additional information, including details on timelines, and states will provide further updates and resources as available to keep partners and providers informed. Currently, the estimated timeline (subject to change from NTIA) is:
PICProviders and community members can contact OBD at DEED.broadband@state.mn.us with questions on BEAD.
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.