Category Archives: Funding

In 2024 77 percent of E-Rate dollars went to the highest-need category

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Broadband Clusters reports on a powerful way that the federal government has had to help schools get broadband to those who are less likely to have access at home…

Every year, the federal government helps schools and libraries pay their internet bills through a program called E-Rate, part of the Universal Service Fund. In 2024, it approved $2.76 billion in discounts for 21,102 institutions across the country: 18,507 schools and school districts, and 2,595 libraries. This study matches every funded institution to Census data for the communities around it, to examine who the program serves and what those neighborhoods look like.

The discount each institution receives is set by the federal government based on how many students qualify for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) — free or reduced-price meals, a standard federal measure of household income. Schools where 75 percent or more of students qualify receive the deepest discounts: 80 to 90 percent off their bill. Schools where fewer than 35 percent qualify receive 20 to 49 percent off.

In 2024, 77.0 percent of E-Rate dollars went to the highest-need category. In the ZIP codes where those institutions operate, Census data shows 14.2 million households have no home internet subscription and 9.0 million have no large-screen device such as a laptop, desktop, or tablet.

E-Rate Advocates Want FCC to Reconsider Bidding Portal

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Broadband Breakfast reports…

Groups representing participants in the E-Rate program are asking federal regulators to reconsider their decision to enforce a mandatory electronic bidding portal.

The Schools, Health, and Libraries Broadband Coalition and CW Consulting, which represent and work with schools and libraries that participate in the program, said they and others weren’t given enough time to comment on the new rule before it was adopted.

US Senate passes Bill requiring FCC and GAO reviews of federal tool used to track broadband deployment spending

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Broadband Breakfast reports…

The Senate unanimously approved a bill Thursday aimed at strengthening oversight of the government’s broadband funding map.

The MAP for Broadband Funding Act, passed by voice vote, would require the Federal Communications Commission to conduct a formal inquiry into the accuracy, functionality, and usability of the Broadband Funding Map, a tool created to track federally funded broadband deployment projects. 

OPPORTUNITY: NTIA Announces Two New Funding Opportunities to Expand Broadband Connectivity on Tribal Lands

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The NTIA announces...

 Today, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) at the Department of Commerce announced two new notices of funding opportunity (NOFO): one for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) and one for the Native Entities Grant Program (NEGP), the native entity set-aside under the Digital Equity Act.

Together, these NOFOs will make $790 million available to Tribal and Native communities to advance broadband connectivity on Tribal lands, promote infrastructure availability, and support other related activities.

“The NOFOs announced today build on NTIA’s work to achieve universal broadband availability, including on Tribal lands,” said Arielle Roth, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator. “By reducing unnecessary red tape, increasing flexibility, and maximizing the impact of federal dollars, these NOFOs help Tribal and Native nations focus on connecting their communities, not navigating bureaucracy.”

The application window opens today, June 17, 2026, and closes September 17, 2026. NTIA expects to make awards on a rolling basis beginning in Spring 2027. Additional information is available on NTIA’s BroadbandUSA website, including the TBCP fact sheet and NEGP fact sheet. NTIA will also host a TBCP 3 and NEGP NOFO Launch Webinar on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. You can register here.

These funding opportunities reflect reforms NTIA announced last year to streamline its Tribal broadband programs, reduce red tape for Tribal governments, promote greater flexibility, and better align NTIA’s grant opportunities with the connectivity needs of Tribal communities.

 

Some BEAD recipients are backing away from the federal funding

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Doug Adams talks reports in Broadband.IO…

With BEAD awards moving into the contract execution phase, a small but growing number of proposed subgrantees are deciding not to proceed. In some cases, companies are walking away voluntarily. In another, questions remain about what happened behind the scenes.

Nebraska. It’s Not for Everyone

In Nebraska, The Nebraska Examiner reported that three ISPs backed out “due to changes in their business plans.”

The three BEAD participants in the state that didn’t sign contracts appeared to be Amazon, Northeast Nebraska Telephone Company, and Pinpoint Communications.

Minnesota isn’t mentioned but the topics did come up at the Office of Broadband Development’s broadband conference in April. It is one of the wildcards that’s making planning challenging for the state broadband office.

NTIA chief counsel says BEAD will be the last broadband deployment program the US needs

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Communications Daily reports…

NTIA sees the current BEAD program as the “last broadband subsidy program” the U.S. will need, said David Brodian, the agency’s chief counsel, during an FCBA webinar Thursday. Brodian’s comments were at odds with those from other officials who questioned whether the current program will lead to universal coverage (see 2606110064). Brodian also said NTIA is still considering the best use of non-deployment funds.

Rep. Delaney calls out Commerce Department for unlawfully withholding funds for Universal Broadband

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I’m borrowing the recap from the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society on the following. It you want more information, I suggest reading the original letter …

Representative April McClain Delaney (D-MD-06) led a letter with her House colleagues demanding that the Department of Commerce explain its continued withholding of appropriated funds that Congress explicitly authorized under its historic $65 billion-dollar internet initiative known as the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Prior to serving as a Member of Congress, Rep. McClain Delaney was the Deputy Assistant Secretary and Deputy Administrator at NTIA under the Biden-Harris Administration and helped build and launch the national BEAD program. The Congressional letter, directed to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and NTIA Assistant Secretary Arielle Roth, again lifted up questions from Members that have gone unanswered for over eight months. Members are deeply concerned about the Administration’s lack of transparency and the long overdue withholding of “nondeployment funds.” The letter is co-signed by Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), and Troy Carter (D-LA-02). In addition to the Congresswoman’s letter to Commerce and NTIA, she is introducing the Broadband Deployment and Economic Impact Study Act, which directs NTIA to conduct a comprehensive study of the technologies used to provide broadband internet access services. The study would evaluate key factors such as workforce requirements, geographic deployment capabilities, technology lifespan, and monthly consumer costs across various broadband technologies, from fiber-optic cable to satellites. The bill is cosponsored by Reps. James Clyburn (D-SC-06), Bennie Thompson (D-MS-02), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Troy Carter (D-LA-02), Cleo Fields (D-LA-06), and Shomari Figures (D-AL-02).

Pew outlines the importance of the State Offices of Broadband Development

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Kathryn de Wit and Jake Varn write about the importance of State Offices of Broadband Development for Pew…

States continue to make headway on the implementation of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a $42 billion federal initiative to connect all Americans to high-speed internet. As state broadband offices (SBOs) collaborate with other government agencies, internet service providers (ISPs), and communities to meet BEAD’s rapid four-year construction deadlines, state lawmakers should ensure that SBOs continue to have sufficient authority and capacity to effectively use BEAD funds and address statewide connectivity needs.

The Minnesota Office of Broadband Development opened in 2014 and has remained open since. Having an office has made is possible to advocate and distribute funding wisely – that includes but not exclusively mean BEAD funding.

Previously unused Rural Health Care Program Funding carries forward to 2026 applications

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The FCC announces…

By this Public Notice, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau), in consultation with the Office of the Managing Director (OMD), announces the amount of unused funds for the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program that have been carried forward for funding year 2026.1 The Commission’s rules for the RHC Program establish a process to carry forward unused funds from past funding years for use in future funding years.2 In consultation with OMD, the Bureau must announce a specific amount of unused funds from prior funding years to be carried forward to increase available funding for future funding years.

The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) projects that, as of April 30, 2026, $226.42 million in unused funds is available for use in future funding years beginning in funding year 2026.4 Pursuant to the Commission’s direction and section 54.619(a)(4)-(5) of the Commission’s rules, the Bureau, in consultation with OMD, directs USAC to carry forward up to $226.42 million in unused funds from prior funding years to the extent necessary to satisfy funding year 2026 RHC Program demand.

With the carry-forward funding announced in this Notice, eligible RHC Program funding requests filed during the funding year 2026 application filing window or filed after the close of the filing window but received a waiver of the application filing deadline can be fully funded without prioritization. The RHC Program funding cap for funding year 2026 is $744,161,841.7 The internal cap on multi-year commitments and upfront payments under the Healthcare Connect Fund Program is $187,898,742.8 These funding year 2026 caps represent a 2.8% inflation-adjusted increase to the RHC Program funding cap and the internal cap on multi-year commitments and upfront payments from funding year 2025.9 The estimated total RHC Program demand for funding year 2026 is $911.25 million,10 of which approximately $166.75 million represents demand for multi-year commitments and upfront payments in the Healthcare Connect Fund.

OBD Broadband Update June 3: Line Extension, Task Force meeting and updates

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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).

OMB Proposes Changes to Federal Grant Administration – including BEAD

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The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society reports…

On May 29, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposes to revise the Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance. The proposals might be among the most consequential changes to federal grant administration in more than a decade, particularly in the breadth of its policy conditions. OMB is proposing to rewrite the foundational rules that govern how nearly every federal grant dollar—including broadband, digital equity, research, and community development funds—is awarded, conditioned, and potentially terminated. Every entity that receives federal grants or cooperative agreements—states, local governments, Tribes, universities, nonprofits, hospitals, and for-profit organizations—could be impacted. That impact includes recipients of broadband funding from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) (Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, Digital Equity Act programs), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) (ReConnect), the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Capital Projects Fund), and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) (Universal Service Fund programs, including Lifeline and E-Rate). The proposed rule would embed the current Administration’s policy priorities—including prohibitions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities—directly into the terms and conditions of federal awards. The proposal would also significantly expand agencies’ power to terminate awards mid-stream, require E-Verify participation by all recipients, and shift OMB’s “guidance” into binding regulation. The public comment period closes July 13, 2026.

The article goes on to detail the proposed changes and highlight the potential impact on BEAD recipients.

The Daily Yonder looks at policy perspective changes of satellite

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The Daily Yonder reports on policy change that impact satellite…

In a proposed rulemaking adopted unanimously on May 20 the FCC asked whether LEO satellite broadband should be treated as a sufficient substitute for terrestrial infrastructure in the most difficult-to-serve areas, and whether continued support for land-based deployments in those locations constitutes unnecessary “overbuilding.”

In its proposal, the FCC claimed “nearly all” remaining U.S. locations without a fiber, cable or fixed wireless broadband connection are now considered to be served by “a LEO satellite provider.”

Many of those locations are in sparsely populated rural areas, where the high cost of deploying terrestrial broadband infrastructure has historically left residents with few connectivity options.

In its filing, the FCC reinforced its policy that “providing support in areas of the country where another voice and broadband provider is offering high-quality service without government assistance is an inefficient use of limited universal service funds.”

IRRR’s 2027 budget includes infrastructure/broadband

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The Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation reports their budget for 2027; it includes funding for infrastructure, which includes broadband.

Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

The FY27 IRRR budget was approved. The $77 million investment strategy exemplifies IRRR’s unwavering commitment to fostering a more prosperous living and working environment in the Taconite Assistance Area. Strategic priorities and funding include:

  • Improve conditions for economic growth with $31 million of resources in community and workforce development. Funds include a $6 million program to promote the preservation, rehabilitation and investment in regional housing stock and neighborhoods with a focus on construction of new homes and/or apartment buildings.
  • Support public works infrastructure, broadband and business and industry with spending of $19 million. Infrastructure funding assists communities in modernizing, redeveloping and replacing foundational assets in order to attract business investments and expansion.
  • Invest funds in natural and recreational assets, Giants Ridge and regional trails to generate diversification and economic impact while contributing to the quality of life in the region.
  • Produce a fiscally sound spending plan that includes reserve funds for unforeseen future needs.

OPPORTUNITY: Community Connect Grants applications due June 29 2026

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From the USDA…

Community Connect Grants

Applications are being accepted from May 13, 2026, until June 29, 2026, at 11:59 a.m. EST.

What does this program do?

The Community Connect Program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide broadband service in rural, economically-challenged communities where service does not exist.

Who may apply?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Incorporated organizations
  • Federally-recognized Tribes
  • State and local units of government
  • Any other legal entity, including cooperatives, private corporations, or limited liability companies organized on a for-profit or not-for-profit basis

How do I submit an application?

Applications must be submitted via the Community Connect Application Intake System.

What is an eligible area?

Rural areas that lack any existing broadband speed of at least 10Mbps downstream and 1Mbps upstream are eligible.

  • The Application Guide provides guidance on rural areas currently eligible for Community Connect Grants.

The Rural Utilities Service publishes all Community Connect Proposed Funded Service Areas (PFSAs) through its Public Notice Filing (PNF) process. Incumbent service providers may challenge the eligibility of a PFSA by filing a Public Notice Response (PNR). More information on the PNF/PNR process can be found by visiting the Rural Development Public Notice Filings Portal User Guide. For a demonstration on how to search for PNFs, submit a PNR, subscribe to PNF notifications, and more, watch the PNF Demonstration of the Public Filing Tool video. Those interested in receiving email notifications whenever a new application has been submitted and the PNF has been published can do so by signing up for our Public Notice Filing Subscription Service.

How may the funds be used?

  • The construction, acquisition, or leasing of facilities, spectrum, land or buildings used to deploy broadband service for:
    • All residential and business customers located within the Proposed Funded Service Area (PFSA)
    • All participating critical community facilities (such as public schools, fire stations, and public libraries)
  • The cost of providing broadband service free of charge to the critical community facilities for 2 years.
  • Less than 10% of the grant amount or up to $150,000 may be used for the improvement, expansion, construction or acquisition of a community center that provides online access to the public.

Are there other grant requirements?

  • Buildings constructed with grant funds must be located on property owned by the awardee
  • Leasing expenses will only be covered through the advance of funds period included in the award documents
  • Grantees must have legal authority to provide, construct, operate and maintain the proposed facilities or services
  • Partnerships with other federal, state, local, private and non-profit entities are encouraged
  • Matching funds of at least 15% from non-federal sources are required and can be used for operating costs

What governs this program?

Why does USDA Rural Development do this?

The Community Connect program helps rural communities extend access where broadband service is least likely to be commercially available, but where it can make a tremendous difference in the quality of life for people and businesses. The projects funded by these grants help rural residents tap into the enormous potential of the Internet for jobs, education, healthcare, public safety, and community development.

Rural broadband advocates in MN hopeful new law will prevent missed future funding

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Regular readers will recognize the story that the Minnesota Star Tribune tells of grant funds lost because of light scrutiny on applicants for federal funding. Broadband advocates are hoping that a new law will help protect loss in the future…

So some locals were optimistic when, in 2020, LTD Broadband, a company with Minnesota ties, received more than a billion dollars in federal funding to provide broadband to rural areas like Le Sueur County. Because of the provisional grant, the county found itself shut out of state funding for its own programs because of possible overlap with LTD territories — even though officials in Le Sueur worried the company’s efforts would fail.

LTD’s plans fell apart in 2022 after state and federal regulators revoked key licenses and canceled grants after determining the company couldn’t fulfill its promises.

The result has been missed opportunities for the county, said Barbara Droher Kline, a financial planner and rural broadband consultant for Le Sueur County. She and other broadband advocates said they hope a new federal law will force the U.S. government to do a better job vetting broadband internet providers and their promises.

The Rural Broadband Protection Act, introduced by U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, directs the Federal Communications Commission to provide more thorough scrutiny.

“The new FCC vetting process will confirm that providers have the ability — financially, technically and operationally — to follow through with their commitments,” Klobuchar said in a statement to the Minnesota Star Tribune. “This will prevent situations where companies that win federal funding to deploy rural broadband cannot actually deliver service.”

Advocates say the impetus for the law came from the fallout with LTD. The company, which rebranded in 2023 and is now known as GigFire, did not respond to requests for comment.