Category Archives: Funding

NTIA not happy about Wisconsin’s investment in broadband to homes BEAD leaves under or unserved

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It’s not Minnesota but, Broadband Breakfast reports on our neighbors…

NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth isn’t playing “Wisconsin Nice” with that state’s broadband leadership, including retiring Gov. Tony Evers (D). NTIA is pushing back on Wisconsin’s recent claim that tens of thousands of homes will remain unserved as the state launches a new $60 million, state-funded Internet grant round designed to plug holes in its broadband map. In a press release on May 19, Evers said the spending was needed because of NTIA’s decision, engineered by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in June 2025, to abandon the Biden administration’s expensive fiber preference in favor of technological neutrality in the $42.45 billion BEAD program.

FCC to investigating potential fraud in E-Rate program in Minnesota

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The FCC reports...

Today, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced that the
Commission has sent three Letters of Inquiry to Minnesota educational institutions to investigate
potential misuse of federal funds disbursed through the E-Rate program. This marks the latest effort
by the Commission to combat fraud, waste, and abuse in Universal Service Fund (USF) programs.
The USF’s E-Rate program helps schools and libraries obtain affordable telecommunications and
information services so students, teachers, and library patrons can take advantage of online
opportunities. The program has provided support to over 132,000 schools and libraries across the
country by funding discounts on Internet access and Wi-Fi services.
Chairman Carr issued the following statement:
“The FCC is committed to stopping bad actors from defrauding our USF programs, including those
who target our E-Rate program as a way to line their own pockets. When billions of dollars are at
stake, we need to ensure that the Commission’s programs are working efficiently and effectively. By
requesting critical program information from Minnesota educational institutions suspected of
wrongdoing within this program, we’re taking that initial and critical step towards being well
informed, good stewards of federal dollars to ensure program funds are being used for their intended
purposes.”
Additional Background Information:
Chairman Carr continues to conduct a top-to-bottom review of all USF programs to ensure taxpayer
dollars are protected. In April 2026, Chairman Carr announced the suspension of seven individuals
involved in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme targeting the E-Rate program. As part of the FCC’s
efforts to combat fraud, waste, and abuse in Universal Service Fund programs, the FCC recently voted
on updates to its suspension and debarment rules that enable the agency to take quicker and more
comprehensive action against wrongdoers

OPPORTUNITY: USDA applications open for grants to build community-oriented broadband for in rural areas

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From the USDA…

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development invites grant applications to build community-oriented, high-speed internet networks for people in rural areas.

USDA Rural Development is making approximately $17 million available under the Community Connect Grant Program. The program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide broadband service in rural, economically challenged communities where service does not exist.

Community Connect funds may be used for:

  • The construction, acquisition, or leasing of facilities, spectrum, land or buildings used to deploy broadband service.
  • The cost of providing broadband service free of charge to critical community facilities for two years.
  • The improvement, expansion, construction or acquisition of a community center that provides public access to high-speed internet (up to 10% of the award amount or $150,000 may be used for this purpose).

Award recipients must agree to provide high-speed internet service at community-serving institutions free of charge for up to two years. These institutions include schools, libraries, fire stations and other public safety sites.

Eligible applicants include state and local governments, federally recognized Tribes, nonprofits, for-profit corporations and limited liability companies.

Applications must be submitted electronically no later than June 29, 2026. Additional program information is available on the Community Connect Program website. Interested applicants are encourage to contact their Telecom Program General Field Representative (GFR) and may submit questions using the Community Connect Contact Us Form.

 

Rural Broadband Protection Act requires the FCC to screen applicants for solvency before making awards

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The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society reports…

On May 11, 2026, President Trump signed the Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025 (S. 98) into law. The new law requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) to screen applicants for high-cost universal service broadband funding before committing funds, and sets minimum financial penalties for applicants who default before receiving funding.

The example of need the author includes happened in Minnesota…

When the FCC ran the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF)—a reverse auction that in 2020 initially awarded $9.23 billion to bring broadband to 5,220,833 locations in 49 states—the Commission largely assessed winning bidders’ qualifications after the auction was over, through a post-bid, “long-form” application process (a detailed post-auction filing in which winning bidders were required to demonstrate their qualifications). The result was a wave of defaults and denials that left roughly 1.9 million of those locations without the broadband service the FCC had promised RDOF would make possible.

The most prominent example: the FCC ultimately denied the program’s largest winning bidder, LTD Broadband, a Minnesota-based fixed wireless provider, which initially won $1.3 billion in RDOF awards, after concluding the company “was not reasonably capable of offering the required gigabit-speed, low-latency service throughout the broad areas where it won auction support.”1 That determination came only after the auction had closed and the award had been tentatively made.

The root of the change…

The Rural Broadband Protection Act is Congress’s answer. The law amends Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934—the statutory foundation of the Universal Service Fund (USF)—by adding a new subsection (“m”) that requires the FCC to screen applicants before making awards, and to set minimum financial penalties for those who default before funding flows.

OPPORTUNITY: USDA Accepts Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Applications open to improve access to remote education and health care in rural communities

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USDA Rural Development announces...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development invites grant applications to improve access to remote education and health care in rural communities.
USDA is making approximately $27 million in funding available under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program.
This program funds distance learning and telemedicine equipment, including audio and video equipment, to
improve access to educational and health care opportunities in rural communities. These funds will help
digitally connect people to education, training and healthcare resources that are otherwise unavailable or limited in remote parts of the country.
For example, DLT funding expands opportunities for:
• Students to participate in classes that may be in locations too far to access in person;
• Teachers to provide their expertise, trainings and educational services to students across the country; and
• Patients to seek specialized care and treatment from medical professionals without needing to leave their
homes or communities.
Eligible applicants include state and local governmental entities, federally recognized Tribes, nonprofits and for
profit businesses.
Applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov no later than June 30, 2026. Additional program information is available on the DLT Program website. Interested applicants are encourage to contact their Telecom Program General Field Representative (GFR) and may submit questions using the Contact Us Form.
To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, sign up at the GovDelivery subscriber page.

FCC adopts new rules from the E-Rate Program

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From the FCC…

Today, the Federal Communications Commission adopted rules to enhance the integrity of the E-Rate program by amending its rules and establishing a new competitive bidding portal and document repository. Today’s action will assist E-Rate applicants with program compliance and decrease the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse in the E-Rate program. The Commission is also taking actions to simplify and streamline the E-Rate processes and procedures, while giving greater flexibility for both applicants and service providers. The E-Rate program provides support to ensure that schools and libraries can obtain affordable, high-speed broadband services and internal connections. The Commission is committed to the responsible stewardship of E-Rate funds and protecting against waste, fraud, and abuse, and an open competitive bidding process is a cornerstone of, and fundamental, to the integrity of the E-Rate program. This action brings greater transparency and consistency to the competitive bidding process, helping ensure schools and libraries receive the most cost-effective services.

Additional Background Information: Today’s Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration will create and implement a competitive bidding portal and repository for the funding year 2028 competitive bidding cycle, beginning July 1, 2027. Specifically, it will require prospective service providers to submit bids responding to applicants’ requests for bids and require applicants to upload competitive bidding documentation, including bid evaluations, vendor selection documentation, and contracts to the portal. This action will consolidate where information is provided and stored, creating a centralized repository which will reduce the need for applicants to respond to documentation requests from the Commission and the E-Rate program administrator. Today’s action also includes rule changes to simplify and streamline E-Rate processes for applicants and service providers, including refining procedures for applicants transitioning service providers, eliminating unnecessary paperwork, and providing greater flexibility to refile rejected requests for reimbursement. Action by the Commission April 30, 2026 by Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration (FCC 26-30). Chairman Carr and Commissioner Trusty approving. Commissioner Gomez approving in part and dissenting in part. Chairman Carr, Commissioners Gomez and Trusty issuing separate statements.

Funding Applications are open for U of M Empowering Small Minnesota Communities Program

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This isn’t necessarily broadband-specific, but it could help with broadband planning or efforts. From the U of M Center for Transportation Studies…

Small Minnesota communities have a tremendous number of existing assets: beautiful natural areas; essential built environments; economic strengths, and human capabilities to build upon community strengths, meet their challenges, and move toward their aspirations.

The Empowering Small Minnesota Communities (ESMC) program is a community-centered collaboration with the University of Minnesota to support small communities in becoming well-positioned to benefit from federal, state, and local investments.

How? By working together to creatively leverage community assets and ideas and strengthening projects and plans for resilient physical, social, and economic infrastructure.

The goal? Lay the groundwork for competitive proposals that could be eligible for a wide range of funding opportunities.

Interested in participating in the program? Find out more and take action!

Arvig gets $3.4 million from the MN’s Broadband Line Extension to expand to 446 locations

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Business Insider reports…

Arvig will begin construction this spring on an upgrade project to bring last-mile fiber connectivity to 446 structures in eight Minnesota counties.

Arvig was recently awarded grants totaling $3.4 million from the state’s Broadband Line Extension program after submitting successful lowest-cost bids to serve the locations. Arvig will invest another $442,000 to cover the remaining project costs, bringing the grand total of the project to $3.87 million. Upon completion later this year, 104.3 route miles of new fiber infrastructure will have been constructed.

The locations and number of structures to be served are:

  • Becker County: 71 structures
  • Clay County: 14 structures
  • Kandiyohi County: 37 structures
  • Lyon County: 7 structures
  • Mower County: 20 structures
  • Stearns County: 1 structure
  • Todd County: 277 structures
  • Yellow Medicine County: 19 structures

Future of Universal Service Fund (USF) Reform Task Force

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Keep Our Communities Connected (KOCC) reports…

Keep Our Communities Connected (KOCC) and the Schools, Health, and Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition launched the “Future of Universal Service Fund (USF) Reform Task Force” on Friday, April 10, 2026. This cross-sector initiative aims to inform ongoing bipartisan and bicameral policy debates on the long-term sustainability of universal service programs that support broadband access for schools, libraries, rural communities, health providers, and low-income households. Chairing the Task Force are former FCC Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Rachelle Chong.

Someone from the Schools, Health, and Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition mentioned efforts to reevaluate USF at the Office of Broadband Development conference yesterday. So, this caught my eye today…

The Task Force aims to operate on a consensus basis over the summer, focusing on:

  • Stabilizing USF Programs: Evaluating policy options, including long-term funding predictability and sustainability, the role of appropriations, contribution models, and accountability measures.
  • Broadening the Coalition: Engaging a diverse ecosystem of leaders from public interest advocacy organizations, telecommunication and trade associations, and academia.
  • Operationalizing the Sustainability: Translating abstract policy goals into a final set of principles and recommendations to guide the Congressional Universal Service Fund Working Group.

The Task Force will conclude its work with a public announcement of its findings and a convening in Washington, D.C. to present a forward-looking roadmap for universal service connectivity.

House restores ReConnect Funding in FY2027 USDA Bill

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Broadband Breakfast reports…

House appropriators included $40 million for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ReConnect program in their fiscal year 2027 spending bill, restoring funding after the agency proposed eliminating the rural broadband initiative.

The move marks a clear divergence from USDA’s fiscal year 2027 budget request, which proposed no funding for ReConnect, according to agency broadband program requests.

The House Appropriations Committee released the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies bill on Wednesday, ahead of a subcommittee markup the following day.

Midco’s Scandia fiber project nears completion (Washingonton County)

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The Country Messenger reports…

After years of planning, grant applications and phased construction, Scandia’s long-awaited high-speed internet expansion is entering its final stretch.

Midco, the internet provider in the expansion, has begun construction this month and is projected to complete the project by the end of July. Once complete, the expansion will bring fiber optic internet access to roughly 95% of households in the City of Scandia.

Seeing the project nearing completion is encouraging to Scandia’s Internet Action Committee, which has been working for years to improve internet access for Scandia residents. According to the committee’s chair, Bob Wilmers, the city first partnered with Midco in 2019 when approximately half of the city’s households had access to reliable internet coverage. Since that time, Scandia and Midco have worked together to find funding through local investments and outside grants, including the Minnesota Border to Border Broadband Grant Program.

“In the last seven years, Midco and the city have applied for multiple grants from the State of Minnesota, Washington County, and the Federal Government to provide financial assistance for the expansion of high-speed Internet service in the rest of Scandia,” Wilmers said. “When this project is completed, we’ll have reached about 95% of the households in Scandia for high-speed Internet, doubling the number we started with in 2019.”

The total cost of the expansion is nearly $7 million, according to Wilmers, with the city investing approximately $1 million, which makes up roughly 15% of the overall cost. The remaining funding has been provided through grants and Midco.

Paul Bunyan Communications starts on major fiber expansion in Central Aitkin County

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From Paul Bunyan Communications…

Paul Bunyan Communications has begun construction on a major broadband expansion project in central Aitkin County that will bring its all-fiber optic network, the GigaZone®, to more than 2,400 homes and businesses.
The project area includes the cities of McGregor, Palisade, and Tamarack, as well as portions of Clark, Haugen, Jevne, Libby, Logan, McGregor, Shamrock, and Workman Townships.
Construction is now underway and will continue throughout the summer months. Once completed, residents and businesses in these areas will have access to fast, reliable all-fiber optic Internet and WiFi designed to support everything from streaming and remote work to advanced business operations. Services are expected to become available by winter.
“This is an exciting milestone for this project and for the communities it includes,” said Chad Bullock, CEO and General Manager of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Breaking ground means we’re one step closer to delivering the kind of high-speed, reliable Internet that has become essential for daily life.”
The GigaZone® all-fiber optic network offers speeds up to 10 Gig, providing a significant upgrade over traditional Internet services. In addition to Internet and WiFi, customers will have access to voice services including unlimited local and long-distance calling. Business customers can also take advantage of Managed IT Business Services such as VOIP, Disaster Backup and Recovery, and Network Management.
“This construction represents a major investment in the future of central Aitkin County,” said Leo Anderson, Chief Technology Officer of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Our all-fiber optic network is built for long-term performance, delivering the speed and reliability needed for work, education, healthcare, and business growth.”
Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up for services before construction crews complete work in their area to ensure a connection. There is no membership fee to join the cooperative; membership begins when subscribing to GigaZone® Internet or local phone service.
To check availability or sign up for service, visit www.paulbunyan.net, call, or stop by the Grand Rapids Customer Service & Technology Center.

Paul Bunyan Communication expands broadband in Itasca and St. Louis Counties

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From Paul Bunyan Communications…

Paul Bunyan Communications has started construction on expanding its all-fiber optic network, the GigaZone®, to over 600 more locations in Itasca and St. Louis County across five townships.
This project includes areas south and west of the city of Cook including parts of the following townships: Alango, Carpenter, Field, Sturgeon, and an unorganized township east of Carpenter.
The construction phase of the project is now underway and is expected to take up to three months. Once the fiber optic network is operational, residents and businesses will have access to fast, reliable all-fiber optic Internet and WiFi designed to support everything from streaming and remote work to advanced business operations. Services are expected to become available this fall.
“This is an exciting milestone for this project and for the communities it includes,” said Chad Bullock, CEO and General Manager of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Breaking ground means we’re one step closer to delivering the kind of high-speed, reliable Internet that has become essential for daily life.”
The GigaZone® all-fiber optic network offers speeds up to 10 Gig, providing a significant upgrade over traditional Internet services. In addition to Internet and WiFi, customers will have access to voice services including unlimited local and long-distance calling. Business customers can also take advantage of Managed IT Business Services such as VOIP, Disaster Backup and Recovery, and Network Management.
“This construction represents a major investment in the future of these townships,” said Leo Anderson, Chief Technology Officer of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Our all-fiber optic network is built for long-term performance, delivering the speed and reliability needed for work, education, healthcare, and business growth.”
Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up for services before construction crews complete work in their area to ensure a connection. There is no membership fee to join the cooperative; membership begins when subscribing to GigaZone® Internet or local phone service.
To check availability or sign up for service, visit www.paulbunyan.net, call, or stop by the Grand Rapids Customer Service & Technology Center.
This project is made possible through the State of Minnesota, Department of Employment & Economic Development, Low-Density Population Broadband Infrastructure Development Grant Program. This project is estimated to cost $7,810,355, with the State of Minnesota’s Low-Population Density Program grant contributing $3,924,157, Paul Bunyan Communications investing $2,203,928, Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR) investing $1,000,000, St. Louis County investing $583,250, Alango Township $41,200, Field Township $17,800, and Sturgeon Township $40,000.

Mediacom adds more than 400 miles of fiber to services almost 4000 locations

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Broadband Companies reports…

Mediacom Communications said Tuesday it has finished 12 fiber broadband projects across Minnesota ahead of schedule, adding more than 400 miles of last‑mile fiber and bringing service to roughly 3,900 homes and businesses. The company, also known as Mediacom, described the work as a two‑year effort carried out in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), with a combined public‑private investment of more than $24 million.

Company officials said about 90% of the new fiber miles were laid in some of Minnesota’s hardest‑to‑serve areas, including the Iron Range in the state’s north.

Mediacom reported it invested more than $13 million of private capital and used $11 million in DEED grant funding; the carrier also said it leveraged those projects to extend service to an additional 1,600 locations using private dollars.

Libraries, schools and others ask FCC to reject proposed E-Rate bidding portal

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Benton Institute for Broadband & Society reports…

The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition led more than 80 organizations (including the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society) representing schools, libraries, service providers, and education leaders in sending a letter to the Federal Communications Commission urging the agency not to proceed with its proposed competitive bidding portal for the E-Rate program. The groups are concerned that the establishment of a Bidding Portal and its associated complex requirements and procedures, as proposed in the Draft Order, is not only unnecessary but also undermines the good work being done to streamline the E-Rate program. The groups requested that the FCC not proceed with its proposed implementation of the Bidding Portal. If the FCC elects to proceed with the Bidding Portal, the groups urge it to delay implementation until at least Funding Year 2029, hold a public comment proceeding to allow input into the portal’s development, create beta testing with applicants and providers to ensure the portal functions appropriately, and hold training for all applicants and vendors on the portal and new requirements under this order.