Category Archives: MN Office of Broadband Development

Office of Broadband Development Update Aug 26 2026: BEAD, Line Extension and Task Force notes

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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:

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.

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.

MN Office of Broadband Development suggests using BEAD surplus funds to address rising costs 

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Broadband Breakfast reports…

This week at Mountain Connect, one topic keeps coming up in hallways, panel discussions, and private conversations: Broadband providers are increasingly discovering that building to the last unserved locations is significantly more difficult and expensive than many anticipated.

Bree Maki, executive director of Minnesota’s broadband office, said her office would support waivers to increase grant support if they made sense, suggesting NTIA use BEAD surplus funds to address rising costs and meet the goal of connecting the unserved.

MN Broadband Task Force August 2026: rural libraries and workforce training

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The MN Broadband Task Force heard from national speakers on rural libraries and workforce training. Also, there was a big update from the Office of Broadband Development.

10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. – Welcome from Teddy Bekele, Chair, Minnesota Governor’s Task Force on Broadband and approval of minutes from June Task Force meeting.

10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Presentation from Kate Laughlin, Executive Director, Association for Rural & Small Libraries and Brooke Van Eyk, Development Director, Association for Rural & Small Libraries.

  • Last year IMLS (funds libraries) suffered steep cuts last year
  • Shining a light on rural libraries
  • They have 3000 members; 80 in Minnesota
  • Some rural areas have limited broadband access – but they can get access in the library
  • Working with private foundations on library grants
  • Coleraine, Two Harbors and Lake Agassi will be participating in grant/education programs

Q: E-rate. Are struggles with getting broadband internal infrastructure or connectivity?
Both.
Q: What do people do online in the library?
Many things. We don’t judge. Online training is one example, especially in areas where the local industry is dying.
How to access telehealth because the hospital has closed or specialists aren’t close enough to visit in person
What about Tribal connections?

10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Presentation from C-Tech’s Sara Syverson on Broadband Workforce Training: Building Career Pathways Through Hands-On Learning

  • Works with Moose Lake

Q: Have you done the training in k12?
Yes – work in the high schools.
Q: Do you do any tower-climbing classes?
Not yet
Q: What are high demand jobs?
Tower technicians especially travel, FTTP deployments – last mile home installation

11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Office of Broadband Development (OBD) overview and updates from Bree Maki (Executive Director, OBD).

  • Digital Equity Grant: changes are to competitive grants. NTIA is looking at December for those grants to be available again. But these are not capacity grants. These are the grants that NTIA administered directly.
    Commerce Targets December 2026 to Reopen Digital Equity Competitive
  • There’s another suit to try to get some funding back.
  • BEAD: Have first signed grant agreement with ECE for a fiber deployment. Working on other (80+) contracts as well.
  • Contract deadline is Aug 8.
  • Working with tribal partners
  • Have updated the website
  • Folks are going to NTIA conference in fall
  • Some BEAD grantees have dropped out due to higher costs, uncertainty in guidance
  • Line Extension – still happening – but need to be done by the end of the year. (Requirement of Capitol Projects). Still hoping for one last quick round.
  • Looking at Line Extension 6 for the future with State funding
  • Capitol Projects: we are under a desk review. Need approval for a budget modification.
  • Running into issues with reimbursement – for OBD and grantees
  • OBD sent a letter to Treasury to get unused dollars to meet extensions.
  • Border to Border Round 9 still have 24 projects out – but ready for close out
  • Border to Border 10 projects are on track.
  • The MN Broadband Charter monthly meetings continue.
  • We see more hiccups with environmental policy/permitting could cause more slow-downs.

Q: Is round 5 safe?
Yes. But we can’t pay until OBD gets paid.

11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Open the floor to other business, September’s meeting plans, and meeting wrap-up.

  • Sep 16 meeting with be virtual; next meeting at MidCo
  • Will start talking about the annual report

Office of Broadband Development Update Aug 12 2026: BEAD, Line Extension and Digital Equity Grant

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From the Office of Broadband Development...

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • Broadband Task Force, August meeting plans
  • Federal decisions reset Digital Equity Grant timeline
  • Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) updates
  • Line Extension Connection Program, registration open for residents and businesses

OBD Executive Director Bree Maki had the opportunity to present at Mountain Connect on Minnesota’s approaches and best practices for BEAD.

Broadband Task Force, August meeting plans

The Broadband Task Force will meet tomorrow, Thursday August 13 at 10 a.m. CT. This meeting will be held virtually and is open to anyone from the public to attend. The Teams link to join the meeting is included on the meeting agenda which has been posted along with other information on past meetings on the Broadband Task Force webpage.

Federal decisions reset Digital Equity Grant timeline

Two recent federal court rulings have reshaped national Digital Equity Act (DEA) programs and clarified what is, and is not, changing for Minnesota.

In NDIA v. Trump, the court ruled that the administration lacked authority to terminate the DEA Competitive Grant Program, requiring National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to reinstate it without race‑based criteria. A DOJ/Commerce memo confirms a new Competitive Grant NOFO is expected in December 2026. This ruling affects only the national Competitive Grant Program administered by NTIA. More information on the ruling is available from the Benton Institute.

In State of New Jersey et al. v. OMB, where Minnesota is an active plaintiff, the court found that federal agencies cannot terminate awarded grants based on newly announced priorities, strengthening protections for state‑administered programs. Counts II and III remain pending.

Importantly, there is no new information regarding Minnesota’s State Digital Equity Capacity Grants, and there has been no reinstatement of that program. We continue monitoring federal developments and will adjust if future changes occur. Updates will be relayed through this newsletter and on the OBD Digital Opportunity webpage.

Please feel free to reach out to our office with questions at DEED.broadband@state.mn.us or by phone at 651-259-7610.

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. Additionally:

Because the NTIA must approve project scope changes, the review process can take several weeks. OBD will continue coordinating closely with partners to keep projects moving and to meet the federal contracting deadline of October 8, 2026.

Providers and community members can contact OBD (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.

EVENT Aug 13: MN Broadband Task Force – presentation on Broadband Workforce Training

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As usual, I will be attending and archiving the meeting. Here’s the agenda from the Office of Broadband Development…

Agenda: Broadband Task Force, August Meeting

Date: 08/13/2026

Virtual Meeting Join the meeting now.

· Meeting ID and Pass Code: 276 968 050 478 96 and dG7PZ6Cs · Dial in by phone: +1 651-395-7448,,140848162# or Find a local number · Join on a video conferencing device: Tenant key: mn@m.webex.com and Video ID: 115 639 359 2

 

Meeting Agenda

10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. – Welcome from Teddy Bekele, Chair, Minnesota Governor’s Task Force on Broadband and approval of minutes from June Task Force meeting.

10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Presentation from Kate Laughlin, Executive Director, Association for Rural & Small Libraries and Brooke Van Eyk, Development Director, Association for Rural & Small Libraries.

10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Presentation from C-Tech’s Sara Syverson on Broadband Workforce Training: Building Career Pathways Through Hands-On Learning

11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Office of Broadband Development (OBD) overview and updates from Bree Maki (Executive Director, OBD).

11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Open the floor to other business, September’s meeting plans, and meeting wrap-up.

Office of Broadband Development Update July 29 2026: East Central Energy (ECE)

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) updates
  • Upcoming Tribal broadband summit + federal funding opportunities
  • Digital opportunity, community update
  • Line Extension Connection Program, registration open for residents and businesses

Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) updates

Minnesota is excited to announce its very first fiber project for BEAD has an executed contract and approved National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) decision memo. This East Central Energy (ECE) Fiber project in East Central Minnesota is expected to serve 3,750 locations:

“Bringing broadband to unserved and underserved communities takes true partnership. We extend our sincere thanks to the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development and DEED for their collaborative approach, responsiveness, and shared commitment to connecting rural Minnesota. Their assistance in helping us finalize and execute our BEAD application was invaluable.” Ty Houglum, Vice President/Chief Information Officer, ECE 

Minnesota BEAD Map with ECE Central Minnesota project.

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.

Because the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) must approve these project scope changes, the review process can take several weeks. OBD will continue coordinating closely with partners to keep projects moving and to meet the federal contracting deadline of October 8, 2026.

Providers and community members can contact OBD (DEED.broadband@state.mn.us) with questions.

Upcoming Tribal broadband summit + federal funding opportunities

Early bird registration is open for the 2026 NTTA Tribal Broadband Regional Southern Plains Summit, September 21-23 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The summit will look to advance broadband connectivity and digital sovereignty throughout Indian Country and cover topics like data sovereignty, AI & emerging technology, broadband equity & infrastructure, and cultural continuity. More information and registration is available online.

Additionally, NTIA Announced Two New Funding Opportunities to Expand Broadband Connectivity on Tribal Lands. Applications are due September 17, 2026. More information is available on NTIA’s BroadbandUSA webpage including:

Digital opportunity, community update

OBD is actively monitoring developments given the recent federal court ruling impacting the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. At this time, our office has not received updated guidance from NTIA regarding whether Digital Equity funds or related grants may be reinstated.

We understand how important this is to Minnesota. As new information becomes available, OBD will relay updates through this newsletter and on the OBD Digital Opportunity webpage.

As we navigate these ongoing developments together, please feel free to reach out to our office with questions at DEED.broadband@state.mn.us or by phone at 651-259-7610.

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.

OBD Broadband Update July 15: BEAD, Tribal Broadband funding opportunities & line extension

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From the MN Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • ICYMI, webinar from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program
  • Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) updates
  • Reminder, NTIA funding opportunities on Tribal Lands
  • Line Extension Connection Program, registration open for residents and businesses

ICYMI, webinar from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program

The session from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program for the Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems) is posted on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage.

Click below to watch the overview from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Regulatory Program as it relates to broadband infrastructure deployment under BEAD.

Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) updates

Minnesota continues to make steady progress on the federal BEAD program. The Office of Broadband Development is currently working through required project updates and preparing contracts for execution. Typically, this means removing locations newly identified as already served, or re-awarding locations when providers decline an award.

Because NTIA must approve these project scope changes, the review process can take several weeks. OBD will continue coordinating closely with partners to keep projects moving and to meet the federal contracting deadline of October 8, 2026.

Providers and community members can contact OBD (DEED.broadband@state.mn.us) with questions.

Reminder, NTIA funding opportunities on Tribal Lands

On June 17, 2026, NTIA Announced Two New Funding Opportunities to Expand Broadband Connectivity on Tribal Lands. Applications are due September 17, 2026. More information is available on NTIA’s BroadbandUSA webpage including:

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.

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.

OBD Broadband Update July 1: Funding updates and upcoming meetings

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) updates
  • NTIA funding opportunities on Tribal Lands and broadband news
  • Broadband Task Force, June meeting recap
  • Line Extension Connection Program, registration open for residents and businesses

Thank you to the National Tribal Telecommunications Association (NTTA) for welcoming Office of Broadband Executive Director, Bree Maki, to present alongside Minnesota Telecom Alliance’s President/CEO, Brent Christensen at the 2026 NTTA Midwest Regional Tribal Broadband Summit last week! 

Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) updates

Minnesota continues to advance the federal BEAD program forward with steady, thoughtful progress through pre-contracting. As contracts are signed, the projects will be reflected on the dashboard, and progress will be able to be monitored on the Minnesota BEAD map.

  • A webinar for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program will be held Wednesday July 8 at 11 a.m. CT. for the Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems). The session agenda is posted on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage under the “Broadband Development Training series” toggle. No registration required and the Teams link to join the session will be included on the agenda.
  • Reminder: Updated guidance was released June 16 from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the updated FAQ Version 22 is available on NTIA’s webpage.

Additional information and resources will continue to be posted and updated on OBD BEAD’s webpage ensuring partners have ongoing access to the latest program developments.

NTIA funding opportunities on Tribal Lands and broadband news

Broadband Task Force, June meeting recap

The Broadband Task Force met virtually on Thursday June 18 and heard a panel presentation from Mediacom’s Christopher Lord, Sr. Director, Government Partnership Opportunities and Nuvera’s Kathy Lund, Vice President of Technical Services on experiences so far with the federal BEAD program, particularly challenges in the application process, activities for pre-contracting, and what has has worked well in Minnesota so far. The Office of Broadband Development’s Jennifer Frost and Megan Messerole presented general BEAD program and environmental permitting updates in addition to regular updates from OBD’s Executive Director, Bree Maki.

An overview was provided by the Mayo Clinic Housing-Based Socioeconomic Status (HOUSES) Program of the HOUSES Index, a tool developed to provide individual-level socioeconomic measure with relevancy to broadband and exploration of potential benefits from collaboration from experts Dr. Young Juhn, Dr. Chung Wi, and Dale Shim.

Information on past and upcoming meetings can be found on the Broadband Task Force webpage.

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.

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.

EVENT July 8: Webinar for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Wednesday July 8 at 11 a.m. CT., a new session has been added for the Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems).

The session agenda will be posted on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage under the “Broadband Development Training series” toggle. No registration required and the Teams link to join the session will be included on the agenda. 

The session will provide an overview of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Regulatory Program as it relates to broadband infrastructure deployment under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program in Minnesota.

OBD Broadband Update June 17: Line Extension, Task Force meeting and updates

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • New session added! Webinar for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program, July 8
  • Broadband Task Force, June meeting plans
  • OBD in the field
  • Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) updates
  • Line Extension Connection Program updates

New session added! Webinar for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program, July 8

Wednesday July 8 at 11 a.m. CT., a new session has been added for the Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems).

The session agenda will be posted on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage under the “Broadband Development Training series” toggle. No registration required and the Teams link to join the session will be included on the agenda.

The session will provide an overview of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Regulatory Program as it relates to broadband infrastructure deployment under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program in Minnesota.

Broadband Task Force, June meeting plans

The Broadband Task Force will meet on Thursday June 18 at 10 a.m. CT. This meeting will be held virtually and is open to anyone from the public to attend. The Teams link to join the meeting will be included at the top of the meeting agenda which has been posted along with other information on past meetings on the Broadband Task Force webpage.

OBD in the field

OBD staff have been busy performing site visits across the state for Broadband Grant Program Rounds 9 and 10, and the Line Extension Connection Program Round 4 to ensure infrastructure grant compliance.

Since March, the team has gone on site visits for 24 grantee projects with providers from:

Wiktel, Sytek, Bevcomm, Midco, Woodstock Telephone Company, Meeker Cooperative Light & Power, Arvig (upper photo: Byron Sagen, Construction Manager for Arvig’s Round 9 Border-to-Border Naytahwaush grant project), Spectrum, Gardonville Cooperative Telephone Association, East Central Energy (ECE), Albany Mutual Telephone Association (AMTA), Benton Cooperative Telephone Company, Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative (MLEC), Red River Communications (lower photo: Tom Steinolfson, General Manager and CEO of Red River Communications), Federated REA, Garden Valley Telephone Company (GVT), and CTC.

Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) updates

Minnesota continues to advance the federal BEAD program forward with steady, thoughtful progress. Alongside ongoing pre-contracting work, including necessary scope adjustments, the state has launched a rebid round. All rebid-eligible locations are available for public viewing on the Minnesota BEAD map.

Updated guidance was released June 16 from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the updated FAQ Version 22 is available on NTIA’s webpage.

Additional information and resources will continued to be posted and updated on OBD BEAD’s webpage ensuring partners have ongoing access to the latest program developments.

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.

EVENT June 18: MN Broadband Task Force June Meeting Agenda

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From the Office of Broadband Development...

Agenda: Broadband Task Force, June Meeting

Date: 06/18/2026

Virtual Meeting Join the meeting now.

· Meeting ID and Pass Code: Meeting ID: 212 899 378 597 44 and Passcode: mT99A99L

· Dial in by phone: +1 651-395-7448,,202303976# · Join on a video conferencing device: Tenant key: 5 Video ID 119 695 357 1

Meeting Agenda

10:00 a.m. – 10:05 a.m.

Welcome from Teddy Bekele, Chair, Minnesota Governor’s Task Force on Broadband and approval of minutes from May Task Force meeting.

10:05 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.

Presentation featuring BEAD updates and overviews from Christopher Lord, Sr. Director, Government Partnership Opportunities, Mediacom and Kathy Lund, Vice President of Technical Services, Nuvera.

Followed by additional updates from the Office of Broadband Development’s Jennifer Frost, State/Federal Programs and Compliance Manager, and Megan Messerole, Broadband Environmental/Land Use Coordinator.

10:50 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Break

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Overview of HOUSES Index, a tool developed to provide individual-level socioeconomic measure with relevancy to broadband and exploration of potential benefits from:

· Young Juhn, MD, MPH, Mayo Clinic, Professor of Pediatrics | Research Chair of Mayo Clinic Health Systems | Director of the Artificial Intelligence Program of Mayo Clinic Children | Director of Precision Population Science Lab and HOUSES Program

· Chung Wi, MD, Mayo Clinic, Associate Professor of Pediatrics| Co-Director, AI Validation and Stewardship Program, Mayo Clinic Health System| Associate Director, Mayo Clinic Children’s AI

Program| Associate Director, Precision Population Science Lab and the HOUSES Program | Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine

· Dale Shim, MBA, Mayo Clinic, Head of Commercialization & Strategic Partnerships

11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Office of Broadband Development overview and updates from Bree Maki (Executive Director, OBD).

12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Open the floor to other business, reminder on no meeting in July, and meeting wrap-up

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).

Office of Broadband Update May 20: Line Extension, BEAD and upcoming meetings

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • Line Extension Connection Program, Round 5 bidding window closes May 22
  • Broadband Task Force, May meeting plans
  • Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) updates

Line Extension Connection Program, Round 5 bidding window closes May 22

The Round 5 Provider Bidding Application and Line Extension Program Guide, with guidance for the fast-tracked round are available on the Line Extension Connection Program webpage.

The bidding window for the fast-tracked Round 5 opened April 22 and bids are due May 22, 2026 by 1:30 p.m. CT.

Registration is open for residents and businesses for future rounds of the program and 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. 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.

Broadband Task Force, May meeting plans

The Broadband Task Force will meet virtually on Thursday May 21 at 10 a.m. CT.

The May meeting will feature two Tribal broadband experts who will address topics 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.).

  • NTTA advocates for its member telephone companies and supports efforts to deliver modern telecommunications services to Tribal lands.
  • Clearfield, Inc. launched the Tribal Broadband Training Initiative, providing a no-cost Fiber Optic Technician Course to Native American communities. The program aims to create pathways to living-wage careers and connect Tribal lands with high-speed fiber broadband. Clearfield also complies with Build America Buy America (BABA) and manufactures fiber optic connectivity and management products.

The meeting is virtual and open to the public. The meeting agenda with Teams link to join is available on the Broadband Task Force webpage.

Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) updates

OBD continues to work on contracting and environmental review. Additional and updated resources on the OBD BEAD webpage include:

OBD appreciates its ongoing partnerships across community, regional, state, and federal levels and the people, places, and events our office gets to in small ways be apart of and we will be featuring shared photos over the summer to recognize and appreciate this impact. 

Connecting One Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit: Notes from Office of Broadband Development

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From Office of Broadband Development…

Connecting One Minnesota: 2026 Broadband Summit 

Last week, Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) Office of Broadband Development (OBD) hosted the Connecting One Minnesota: 2026 Broadband Summit. This in-person event brought together national leaders, internet service providers, federal, state, Tribal, and local government partners, and broadband advocates from across Minnesota.

The morning began with welcome videos from Governor Tim Walz, Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senator Tina Smith, with a keynote address from the Center for Rural Policy & Development’s President and CEO, Julie Tesch. Morning panels provided insights from leading national associations and broadband directors from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, who shared how they navigate federal and state programs to meet the unique needs of their states.

The Governor’s Task Force on Broadband met over lunch to provide an overview of their work and recommendations from the 2025 Task Force annual report, plus progress on achieving state broadband goals. They discussed with national leaders how the work in Minnesota compares to work nationwide.

Afternoon breakout sessions focused on upcoming work with the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) for subgrantees, providing support and information on the grant’s management system for the program, environmental and historic preservation considerations and monitoring and field validation.

Other breakout sessions explored Minnesota’s public broadband maps with Connected Nation; strategies for engaging residents, local leaders, media and underserved communities in broadband initiatives; innovative workforce development training programs; and creative action for partnership in Minnesota around broadband digital opportunity.

OBD is deeply thankful to the national leaders who traveled to Minnesota for this event to both share their perspectives and to support and learn about the work happening across the state.

Connecting all people in Minnesota to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet is critical to our economic stability and this summit provided an opportunity to discuss ways to collaborate better as we move forward to achieve state broadband goals. Stay up to date with the latest OBD news by signing up for the biweekly newsletter.

OBD Broadband Update May 6. 2026: Broadband Summit notes, Line Extension and Task Force notes

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • Connecting One Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit, thank you to speakers and attendees
  • Line Extension Connection Program, Round 5 bidding window open
  • Broadband Task Force, April meeting recap
  • Now available online! Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS

Thank you from OBD to all who attended the Connecting One Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit. We appreciate your time and continued partnership in ensuring all Minnesotans are connected!

The summit brought together national leaders, internet service providers, federal, state, Tribal, and local government partners, and broadband advocates from across Minnesota and provided opportunities to discuss ways we can collaborate as we continue to work to achieve state broadband goals.

Post coming soon! A Connecting One Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit recap will be posted on the DEED blog.

Line Extension Connection Program, Round 5 bidding window open

The Round 5 Provider Bidding Application and Line Extension Program Guide, with guidance for the fast-tracked round, have been posted to the Line Extension Connection Program webpage along with an expected timeline (dates subject to change):

  • Bidding Window Opened: April 22, 2026
  • Bids Due: May 22, 2026 by 1:30 p.m. CT 

Registration remains open for residents and businesses for future rounds of the Line Extension Connection Program and 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. 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.

Broadband Task Force, April meeting recap

Governor’s Task Force on Broadband, left to right: Briana Mumme, Paul McDonald, Melissa Wolf, Marc Johnson, John Twiest, Daniel Lightfoot, Chair Teddy Bekele, Steve Fenske, Brian Hood, Adam Hutchens, Ini Augustine, and Bruce Crane.

The Broadband Task Force met on April 29 during the Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit. This meeting was held in-person and included an overview from Chair Bekele of the Task Force’s work and recommendations from the 2025 annual report and progress on achieving state broadband goals, update from OBD’s Executive Director Bree Maki, and discussion with national leaders how the work in Minnesota compares to work nationally.

More information on this and past meetings can be found on the Broadband Task Force webpage.

Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS

Recorded sessions from the 2026 Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems) are now available online and will be added soon to the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage:

Additional 2024 sessions are available from the Department of Natural Resources and Department of Transportation on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage.

Thank you again to all of the state agency partners for their collaboration and time in putting these resources together for broadband grantees!