Event notes: Lunch Bunch on Fall broadband conference, FCC RDOF announcements and more

This month’s Digital Use and Equity Lunch Bunch was a little scattered because we intersected with the MM Broadband Task Force monthly meeting. I’m sharing the video because a lot of good conversation happened. At the highest levels we talked about what people would like to see happen at the Fall Broadband conference. We’re looking for folks to propose topics on which to present or a topic you’d like us to tackle. How to use federal funding for broadband was a hot topic.

We also touched upon the latest announcement from FCC on RODF funding. We learned that Consolidated and Farmer’s got funding, that Aspire stepped back from funding and that LTD is on notice in some states but not word in Minnesota.

EVENT Oct 12-14: Building on Broadband: Inspiring Progress

From the Blandin Foundation on the annual broadband conference…

Mark Your Calendar! Building on Broadband: Inspiring Progress
October 12-14, 2021

For our 2021 virtual broadband conference, we want to hear from YOU!

Yes, as the pandemic wanes, we’re planning another online broadband conference for 2021. But hear us out. This will not be a nine-hour webinar!

We want this conference to be your chance to be heard, and to interact with others from around the state. What’s the best thing you’ve experienced/learned around broadband or technology this year? What have you been working on? What has inspired you? If presenting isn’t your thing, don’t worry – suggest a TED talk we can discuss, pose an open space question, or better yet make your own short video. The sky’s the limit! See the Request for Proposals and submit your idea today!

Next, attend one of eight regional meetings being planned around the state to share your broadband story, to learn about the state of broadband, and plans around Federal funding opportunities in your neck-of-the-woods.

Finally, join us online for a 3-day, statewide event to hear what’s happening across the state – what is being accomplished, what is still needed, and how we can inspire each other to keep at it!

This year, we’ve all lived through a shared, but unique, experience. What was yours like? How did broadband help or hinder – or motivate – you, or your community?

We know rural Minnesotans keenly felt how important a strong, reliable broadband connection is. When kids can’t go to school, adults can’t work, and families can’t access needed resources, our communities suffer. By working together, though, our communities can forge solutions. Countless rural Minnesota communities have shown the way. Your community can too!

We’ll be in touch again soon with more information:

  • We will share information on the regional meetings as details become available.
  • Conference registration coming in August!

Questions? Visit the conference webpage or contact Mary Magnuson at memamagnuson@blandinfoundation.org