Category Archives: MN Office of Broadband Development

OPPORTUNITY: Pine County Digital Inclusion Survey

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Here’s an opportunity for folks in Pine County and an idea for other communities as Pine County News reports…

The Pine County Digital Connection Committee is conducting a digital inclusion survey in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development’s Office of Broadband Development (OBD), to gather information to inform the digital equity plan that the OBD is preparing as part of the federal Digital Equity Act.

OBD defines digital inclusion as the condition in which all Minnesotans have the option and opportunity to use technology – including internet access – in ways that bring meaning to their daily lives. The feedback and insights provided through this survey will profoundly shape the content of the digital equity plan and play a significant role in determining the state’s future strategies to advance digital inclusion.

The survey can completed online until June 20, 2023 at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/R/T2LG6ZB or scan this QR code with your camera on a smartphone:

Those without access to the internet can complete a paper survey.  Copies of the paper survey are available at the Office of the County Administrator, Pine County Courthouse, 635 Northridge Drive, Suite 200, Pine City.

EVENT: June 17: Community broadband discussion in Wiscoy Township (Winona County)

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The Winona Post reports…

The Minnesota Department of Economic Expansion is helping host a Digital Inclusion Committee in Wiscoy Township in southern Winona County. The committee will receive community feedback from folks that are lacking good broadband access, then use this information to help write Minnesota’s Digital Equity Plan.

The committee is being hosted by resident Dan Wilson. “Minnesota is expected to invest more than $275 million in broadband internet expansion in the next couple years, and I wanted to make sure that rural voices are a part of the conversation on how to spend it,” Wilson said.

The community conversation is open to anyone in the area lacking access to high-speed broadband. The group will discuss the impact of not having good internet access and possible solutions. The meeting will take place on Saturday, June 17, from 2-3:30 p.m. at 30935 Zephyr Valley Lane, Rushford. Refreshments will be provided.

I assume this meeting is part of the outreach for the State’s Digital Equity Plan being written by the Office of Broadband Development.

Broadband Updates from DEED: 2023 funds, line extension and job opening

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An email update from the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Updates from DEED:

  • Broadband Funded in 2023 Session
  • Line Extension Connection Program Update
  • Office of Broadband Development (OBD) is Hiring a GIS Analyst!

Legislature Appropriates $100 Million for Broadband for FY24-25

The Minnesota legislature passed, and on May 18 Governor Walz signed, the Agriculture omnibus bill which appropriates $100 million in state general revenue funds for broadband deployment. The bill includes $50 million in funding to the Border-to-Border and Lower Population Density Programs for both fiscal years 2024 and 2025. Of the $50 million allocated for each fiscal year, $30 million is to be used for the traditional Border-to-Border Broadband Infrastructure grant program and $20 million is for the Lower Population Density Program. Additionally, the cap on a Border-to-Border Infrastructure grant was increased to $10 million per project while the grant being able to fund up to 50% of eligible costs remains. The Lower Population Density Program was created as a pilot in the 2022 legislative session and codified in the 2023 legislative session. It also has a $10 million cap per project, but a grant can fund up to 75% of eligible costs – an incentive necessary to attract applications for those areas of the state with lower population densities or significantly higher costs to deploy. OBD anticipates opening the state funded FY24 grant round late summer/early fall and the FY25 grant round in late winter 2024.

Line Extension Connection Program – Addresses Out for Provider Bid

The Line Extension Connection Program closed out its first six-month registration period and 2300 addresses (residential and businesses) registered in the DEED portal were provided to Broadband Providers to challenge. The remaining addresses are now being made available to Broadband Providers to submit bids for a Line Extension Connection grant to build out service. Bids from Broadband Providers to deliver wired broadband service of at least 100Mbps download and upload will be due no later than July 24, 2023. Bids will then be reviewed, winning bidders selected, and grant contracts executed before construction will begin to those locations included in winning bids. More information is available on our website here: https://mn.gov/deed/programs-services/broadband/extension/

We’re Hiring a GIS Analyst! Applications due by June 5

The Office of Broadband Development at DEED is hiring a GIS Analyst to support the work of the office in broadband mapping coordination, data collection, data analysis and geospatial data collection. The person hired will contribute to the strategy, planning, design, implementation and maintenance of broadband mapping programs and related data and applications to ensure compliance with state and federal program requirements. The position is State of Minnesota telework eligible.

Here is the link to the posting and application. Please share with anyone you think would be a good candidate: Research Analysis Specialist – GIS Analyst – Job ID 65812 or Apply Here.

OPPORTUNITY: Research Analysis Specialist – GIS Analyst

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An opportunity to get a job helping Minnesota get better broadband with the Office of Broadband Development…

Working Title: GIS Analyst
Job Class: Research Analysis Specialist
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

  • Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 05/26/2023.
  • Date Posted: 05/20/2023
  • Closing Date: 06/05/2023
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Employ & Econ Development Dept / Employ & Economic Dev-MAPE
  • Division/Unit: Business & Community Dev / 0359 Broadband Development
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday – Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes, 5% occasional travel
  • Salary Range: $25.25 – $37.02 / hourly; $52,722 – $77,297 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
  • FLSA Status: Nonexempt
  • Telework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible to telework up to five (5) days per week
  • Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

Job Summary

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst supports the work of the Office of Broadband Development (OBD) by providing broadband related mapping coordination, data collection, data analysis and geospatial data collection as it relates to the programs administered by the Office. Those programs include the Border-to-Border Broadband Infrastructure grant program, the Lower Population Density Pilot Program, the Line Extension Connection Program and the Digital Equity Act grant programs and other digital equity initiatives. The primary responsibility of this position is to contribute to the strategy, plan, design, implementation, and maintenance of broadband office mapping programs and related data and applications to ensure compliance with state and federal program requirements including the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, a component of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

This position will work closely with the state’s broadband mapping contractor, partners, and colleagues to coordinate broadband and digital equity related data collection activities and develop new state broadband map layers. This position will work with OBD staff, including broadband grant administrators and digital equity staff, and stakeholders to handle design, maintenance, updates, grant compliance, and troubleshooting of broadband maps, dashboards, websites and data collection. This position will be responsible for identifying, analyzing and interpreting large data sets related to broadband access, affordability and adoption in the state.

The GIS Analyst reports to the Executive Director of the Office of Broadband Development and takes daily work direction from the Deputy Director. This is a position requiring attention to detail, GIS experience, and an ability to prioritize work and resources while meeting deadlines.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To receive credit for your education and experience, your resume should clearly describe how you meet each minimum and/or preferred qualification listed, including dates of employment.

Two (2) years* of professional training or experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Experience collecting and processing geospatial data and using the data for cartography or map making. Experience with various Esri GIS tools or products such as ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS for Developers, etc.

*Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Geographic Information Systems, Cartography or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute one (1) year of experience OR a bachelor’s degree in any field with a certificate in Geographic Information Systems may substitute one (1) year of experience

Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:

GIS Experience in telecommunications, broadband, digital equity or for grant compliance

Written and oral communication skills to articulate complex procedures in plain English

Experience working as part of a team to complete large-scale, complex projects

Ability to pay attention to details

Incumbent must maintain valid driver’s license, & insurance, OR have other reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications

Telecom/Cable/Internet Service Provider industry experience

Experience creating maps and data sets by compiling information from multiple data sources

Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

Resumes of all applicants to this posting will be evaluated against the Minimum Qualifications stated above. If your skills match the required skills for this position, the department may contact you. Employee reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance and education. It includes contact with the applicant’s current and/or former employers.

A Criminal Background Check will be conducted on all finalists for this position. A criminal conviction will not automatically remove you from consideration for employment.

When the position requires travel and the applicant drives a state owned or leased vehicle, a driver’s license record check will be conducted.

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Amber Yang at amber.yang@state.mn.us.

OPPORTUNITY: MN Office of Broadband Development Job – Digital Equity Grants Administrator

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The Office of Broadband Development is hiring…

Working Title: Digital Equity Grants Administrator
Job Class: Grants Specialist Coordinator
Agency: Employment and Economic Development Department (DEED)

  • Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 05/15/2023.
  • Date Posted: 05/08/2023
  • Closing Date: 05/22/2023
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Employ & Econ Development Dept / Employ & Economic Dev-MAPE
  • Division/Unit: Employee Payroll / BCD Admin & Support X
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8am to 4:30pm
  • Days of Work: Monday – Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes, up to 20%
  • Salary Range: $27.93 – $41.24 / hourly; $58,317 – $86,109 / annually
  • Classified Status: Unclassified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
  • End Date: Up to two (2) years
  • FLSA Status: Exempt – Administrative
  • Telework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible to telework up to five (5) days per week
  • Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

Job Summary

The Digital Equity Grants Administrator supports the administration of Digital Equity Act grant programs and other digital equity initiatives of the Office of Broadband Development. This includes following DEED procedure to prepare, publicize, execute, monitor, and report on competitive and non-competitive grant awards; creating and revising grant application, reporting, and technical assistance materials; maintaining accurate grant files and records; preparing and submitting federal grant applications and reports; and adhering to state and federal legal requirements. The Digital Equity Grants Administrator reports to the Executive Director of the Office of Broadband Development and takes daily work direction from the Digital Equity Program Lead. This is a position requiring attention to detail, budget experience, and an ability to prioritize work and resources while meeting deadlines.

This position is expected to last two (2) years. 

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

OPPORTUNITY: OBD is Hiring! Applications due by April 7, 2023

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It’s a good sign for job-seekers when I’m asked to share this new again from the Office of Broadband Development. Good luck!

The Office of Broadband Development at DEED is hiring a Community Development and Special Project Coordinator. Along with access to reliable high speed broadband infrastructure, OBD seeks to ensure every Minnesotan can afford broadband service and has a device and the digital skills needed to use the internet and engage in online digital work, education, and health monitoring. The Community Engagement and Special Project Coordinator will report directly to the Executive Director and support Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and the Digital Equity Program planning statewide. The purpose of this position is to manage the database management, data entry, file preparation and drafting of documents for the two plans. This position will also provide coordination to the Office of Broadband in community engagement, participate in community events and educational presentations, promotion, and coordination of events with members of the OBD team.

Here is the link to the posting. Please share with anyone you think would be a good candidate: Planner Senior State – Community Engagement and Special Project Coordinator – Job ID 64231, or Apply Here.

MN Senate Omnibus bill passed through another committee with $100M for broadband

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KNSI Radio reports…

The Senate agriculture omnibus bill passed through another committee Wednesday with near unanimous bipartisan support.

The Senate Agriculture, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee gave the green light for $100 million to help farmers in greater Minnesota with broadband access, soil health and livestock. …

Some highlights include:

  • $100 million to expand broadband access throughout the state.
  • $14 million for a grain indemnity fund to protect Minnesota farmers.
  • $2 million in soil health equipment grants to help farmers make their farmland more resilient to extreme weather events, retain topsoil, build organic matter, and promote water quality.
  • $1 million to support emerging farmers with farm down payment assistance.
  • $944,000 in investments to support livestock processing.
  • $1.2 million over four years to provide services for beginning and emerging farmers.

The bill now moves to the Senate Finance Committee.

Do we need another push to get more voices on the MN digital equity plan team?

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The MN Office of Broadband Development put out a call to get communities involved in preparing a digital equity plan that will lead the state into a place for more equitable technology practices and be submitted to federal funders to help maximize flow of federal funds into the state to support the plan…

If you are interested in helping to shape Minnesota’s digital equity plan, there are three ways you can assist. For now, you can establish a Digital Connection Committee and register it with OBD by March 15, 2023. Many of these committees will be eligible to apply for a mini-grant of up to $4000—those applications are due March 3. Then, beginning April 3, you can use data to tell OBD your community or organization’s digital equity story. You can also join a committee near you and ask how to become involved. Or, once drafted, you can provide feedback on the Digital Equity Plan (approximately late August through late September). Stay up to date on the planning process by visiting OBD’s website.

They recently gave an update on how that push went…

Throughout February and March, OBD received over 90 Digital Connection Committee (DCC) registrations and 70 Assessing Digital Inclusion mini-grant applications. We are thrilled!
DCCs are Minnesota’s strategy for ensuring our state’s digital equity plan truly belongs to Minnesota. Between now and June 30, DCCs can submit data, stories, and other information about local digital inclusion strengths, needs, and goals for inclusion in the plan.
To register a DCC or to see a map (updates coming soon) of committees statewide, visit OBD’s digital inclusion webpage. DCC registrations are accepted on a rolling basis; registrations received by April 7 will be able to participate fully in contributing information for the plan. Please contact Hannah Buckland at hannah.buckland@state.mn.us with any questions.

They got a great response but are they getting all the voices they need?

Thanks to Jason Brazier at Literacy Minnesota for sending me two maps looking at where the local Digital Connection Committees (DCCs) are located and a map that shows digital equity (or inequity) status in each county. (The darker the color the better off the county is with digital equity.)

Map of Digital Equity (left) | Locations of Digital Connection Committees (right)

As you can see, the areas with the greatest need are in counties that do not have local DCCs, which means those communities are likely to be underrepresented. There are 14 counties (listed below) and only three of them are home to a DCC. A glance at the map and scan through the directory list and it’s clear that areas near cities and larger towns (Twin Cities, Duluth, Rochester) or with local colleges (Crookston, Northfield, Mankato) have DCCs. There are DCCs that are defined by subject specialty and span a statewide geography, such as the MN Alliance Boys and Girls Club but that is different level of representation that having the local Boys and Girls Club in Cass County lead the effort.

We are missing voices!

It’s not too late to reach out to the areas and people who aren’t on the list, which is why I’ve listed the target counties below. If they can get registered in the next week, they can participate fully in contributing to the plan. So I’m reaching out to readers to reach out to colleagues, cousins and counterparts in these areas to see if there is a likely leader for this effort. Keep in mind, these are the least connected counties so picking up a phone might be more effective that Tweeting.

Finally, I’m just looking at geography and as a factor because my work focuses on geography. That’s my lens. If your daily lens is different, use it to look at existing DCCs, see who is missing and reach out to them. For example, I don’t see a group that is obviously focused on agriculture, folks with disabilities or people experiencing homelessness. You may see something else. If they aren’t in the room, the planners won’t know what they need.

  1. Aitkin County – 1 DCC
  2. Cass County
  3. Beltrami County
  4. Clearwater County
  5. Kanabec County
  6. Kittson County
  7. Lake of the Woods County
  8. Mahnomen County
  9. Mille Lacs County
  10. Morrison County
  11. Nobles County
  12. Otter Tail County – 1 DCC
  13. Pine County – 1 DCC
  14. Redwood County

 

Rep Pursell notes drop from $276M for broadband to $100M in MN House

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KYMN Radio reports…

The House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee, of which Pursell is Vice Chair, has been given $48 million to work with. She noted that there will be $100 million for the expansion of broadband internet into rural areas that will be part of the Ag budget eventually, but right now it has its own budget line item.

As the chief author of the broadband bill, Pursell expressed some disappointment with the amount that has been allocated, but said it is important to make some sort of investment immediately to get things moving.

“My original bill was for $276 million dollars over two years. The targets came out to less than half of that amount, but it will still be the largest investment Minnesota will have ever made. We’ve been promised funds from the federal government, but because it’s unclear how long it might take to get those funds here, we’re taking action in our state now. We cannot afford to miss another construction season and so we’ll be getting Minnesotans who deserve to be connected to the internet [set up] this year with these funds.”

The omnibus bills will be heard in committees this week and then make their way to the House Floor.

Bree Maki explains MN weather impact on broadband deployment and how MN still moves forward

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Fierce Telecom spoke with Bree Maki, director of Minnesota Office of Broadband and learned a lot about the challenges of building broadband in Minnesota – a four season state…

Bree Maki, director of Minnesota’s Office of Broadband Development, shared with Fierce some key deployment challenges, including weather and workforce constraints. Weather is particularly a hurdle for building fiber in the ground, as Minnesota has a limited construction season, similar to states like Alaska.

“We have long winters, and we have to wait for the ground to defrost before we can do the construction season,” Maki said, noting there’s not much time between the start of construction and “when snow really starts flying in the fall and the temperatures drop.”

There’s a summary of funding in Minnesota…

Minnesota’s main state funding resource is the Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program, established in 2014. Thus far, the program has doled out $230 million to connect over 90,000 Minnesotans, said Maki.

For the 2023 grant round, the state plans to dish out up to $67 million later this spring. The state legislature has proposed $276 million in additional funding for the Border-to-Border program.

In terms of federal dollars, Minnesota is leveraging $30 million from the Capital Projects Fund (CPF) to support its Low-Density Pilot program, which Maki said is similar to the Border-to-Border program “but it allows for some additional cost share percentages, because we know that there is a higher cost at hardest-to-reach areas in the state.”

Another $15 million in CPF funding went towards the state’s Line Extension program.

MN Legislators currently looking at $100M for broadband grants – we need $2.76B

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MinnPost reports on the progress of broadband grant investments (Border to Border grants) at the Minnesota Legislature…

Minnesota lawmakers are planning to spend $100 million to help subsidize infrastructure for high-speed internet, an amount that would be the largest ever one-time state boost in broadband funding but has still drawn a mixed response from developers and local officials who say rural areas are being left behind.

Top DFL leaders announced the $100 million plan on Tuesday at the Capitol as part of an agreement on budget “targets” that will guide spending by legislative committees. Democrats have majorities in the House and Senate and control the governor’s office.

Will it be enough?

Minnesota is waiting for a much larger influx of federal cash to help connect many parts of the state to high speed internet. But even though nearly $1 billion is on its way, a state task force has estimated Minnesota still needs about $426 million to reach its broadband goals.

How close are we?

Minnesota’s current goal for high-speed internet is universal access to wireline service with download speeds of at least 100 Megabits per second and upload speeds of 20 Megabits per second by 2026.

About 88% of households and businesses in the state had access to that level of broadband in October, according to estimates released in a report by the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband. In rural areas, about only 62% have what the state deems to be adequate broadband, an issue that became even more of a problem during the COVID-19 pandemic when many more people were forced to work at home and kids attended school online.

The gap in broadband coverage is because of money.

How much do we need?

State officials estimate it would cost $2.76 billion to serve the 291,000 households and businesses that lack the infrastructure for fast service. It’s an eye-popping price tag, but most of the money would not come from the Minnesota Legislature.

State grants typically require a 50% match from broadband developers or others involved in the project, like city and county governments, meaning the state government is only responsible for half the cost.

EVENT Mar 29: MN Senate to debate Omnibus that includes broadband funding

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At this time of year, meetings are always subject to change but here’s what I have seen:

The meeting in hybrid, so you can join online or in person. Yesterday at the MN Broadband Task Force, we heard about the need to get state funding because the big federal funding (BEAD) is not going to cover the costs of getting sufficient broadband to everyone AND because that funding will not be released for several years, which means Minnesota will miss some construction seasons if we don’t get state funding.

MN Senate looks at $100 million for broadband grants (biennium)

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Today the MN Senate Committee on Agriculture, Broadband and Rural Development heard the Omnibus bill. There was $100 million for broadband grants; $60 million in the Border to Border grants and $40 million in Low Density Program grants. (The low density grants requires less match from the applicant.)

Here’s the page from the Omnibus spreadsheet:

MN Office of Broadband News Update: hiring, legislation and funding

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Sharing an email update from Office of Broadband…

Office of Broadband Development News

The following updates are available from the Office of Broadband Development:

  • Applications Now Being Accepted to Serve on Governor’s Task Force on Broadband
  • OBD is hiring!
  • Reminder: Challenges to the Border-to-Border Grant Applications are Due April 5th
  • NEW: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Utility License Application Workshop
  • Line Extension Connection Program
  • Digital Equity Act Update

Applications Now Being Accepted to Serve on Governor’s Task Force on Broadband

Are you interested in serving with a group to influence broadband policy in Minnesota? Do you have time to volunteer to serve on a Task Force that will make recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature on digital inclusion and broadband availability across the state? Do you know someone who may be a strong advocate and representative on this topic? The Walz/Flanagan Administration will be making appointments to the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband soon!

The Governor’s Task Force on Broadband was created under Executive Order 19-10 and is a multi-stakeholder body created to advise the executive and legislative branches on broadband policy, including strategies for successfully achieving the state broadband goals, comprehensive assessment of digital inclusion issues and gaps, and strategies for unlocking the benefits of universal access to broadband for all communities in Minnesota. The Task Force consists of fifteen members who are appointed by the Governor and have experience or interest in broadband matters. The members must represent a balance of broadband interests, including: residential and business consumers, local governments, libraries, K-12 and higher education institutions, tribal interests, healthcare, broadband providers, economic development, agriculture, rural development, workforce development, and labor interests. The Task Force meets monthly and submits an annual report no later than December 31 each year. This appointment is through the rest of the current Governor’s Term. To apply, see the instructions below.

To learn more or read the current Task Force’s report, please visit Broadband Task Force / Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (mn.gov).

For questions, contact the Office of Broadband Development at the MN Dept. of Employment and Economic Development at deed.broadband@state.mn.us or by calling 651-259-7610.

Applications should be submitted no later than Monday, April 3, 2023 to receive full consideration.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit the Open Positions page.

Scroll down to find the correct Agency/Board/Council.

Choose the correct seat type, and click button that says APPLY

The system will walk you through creating an application profile.

Page 2 of the application will now allow you to attach the following documents:

  • Letter of Interest
  • Resume or Biography

OBD is Hiring! Applications due by April 7, 2023

The Office of Broadband Development at DEED is hiring a Community Development and Special Project Coordinator. Along with access to reliable high speed broadband infrastructure, OBD seeks to ensure every Minnesotan can afford broadband service and has a device and the digital skills needed to use the internet and engage in online digital work, education, and health monitoring. The Community Engagement and Special Project Coordinator will report directly to the Executive Director and support Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and the Digital Equity Program planning statewide. The purpose of this position is to manage the database management, data entry, file preparation and drafting of documents for the two plans. This position will also provide coordination to the Office of Broadband in community engagement, participate in community events and educational presentations, promotion, and coordination of events with members of the OBD team.

Here is the link to the posting. Please share with anyone you think would be a good candidate: Planner Senior State – Community Engagement and Special Project Coordinator – Job ID 64231, or Apply Here.

Reminder: Challenges to the Border-to-Border Grant Applications are Due April 5th

Challenges to the Border-to-Border Grant applications submitted by March 2, 2023 are due no later than 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. There is a Form to use to submit a challenge: 2023 Challenge Form When completed, email the Challenge Form to deed.broadband@state.mn.us

NEW: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Utility License Application Workshop

For those who apply for DNR utility licenses to cross state lands or public waters: you’re invited to attend the Utility License Application Workshop presented by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Lands and Minerals Division.

The DNR is holding two online Utility License Application Workshops. Please register and attend whichever session is most convenient for you.

Event description:

Webex will provide an online platform for the presentation. This course is optional and free, but registration is required. The workshop offers an opportunity to expand your knowledge on the state’s utility license application process and learn how to submit a complete application to obtain a license from the DNR for the passage of any utility crossing over, under, or across any state land or public water.

Event details: Option #1: Wednesday, April 5, 1– 3:00 p.m. Register

Option #2: Wednesday, April 12, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Register

Once you complete the short registration form, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the link to join the webinar. Please mark those in your inbox for quick event access.

The DNR Lands and Minerals Division is responsible for granting permission to companies that propose to cross state land or public waters with utility infrastructure projects. Please visit the Utility Crossing License webpage for more information.

Line Extension Connection Program

Just a reminder that the portal for the Line Extension Connection program is available for those in homes and businesses without a wired broadband service of at least 25Mbps download and 3Mbps upload at their location. Eligible addresses will be provided to broadband providers to see if any want to bid through a reverse auction process to serve any of those addresses. Bids selected will qualify for a state grant to help offset construction costs. More information, and the portal to register your address, are available here: https://mn.gov/deed/programs-services/broadband/extension/

Digital Equity Act Update

Throughout February and March, OBD received over 90 Digital Connection Committee (DCC) registrations and 70 Assessing Digital Inclusion mini-grant applications. We are thrilled!

DCCs are Minnesota’s strategy for ensuring our state’s digital equity plan truly belongs to Minnesota. Between now and June 30, DCCs can submit data, stories, and other information about local digital inclusion strengths, needs, and goals for inclusion in the plan.

To register a DCC or to see a map (updates coming soon) of committees statewide, visit OBD’s digital inclusion webpage. DCC registrations are accepted on a rolling basis; registrations received by April 7 will be able to participate fully in contributing information for the plan. Please contact Hannah Buckland at hannah.buckland@state.mn.us with any questions.

EVENT March 27: MN Broadband Task Force final meeting

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The last meeting of this iteration of the MN Broadband Task Force happens tomorrow…

Governor’s Task Force on Broadband

Monday, March 27, 2023

10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Comcast

10 River Park Plaza

St. Paul, MN  55107

use main entrance, plenty of free parking

 

or Virtually via Teams

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Click here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 231 380 665 63
Passcode: 2erfjX

Download Teams | Join on the web

Join with a video conferencing device

mn@m.webex.com

Video Conference ID: 118 219 688 6

Alternate VTC instructions

Or call in (audio only)

+1 651-395-7448,,493399601#   United States, St. Paul

Phone Conference ID: 493 399 601#

Find a local number | Reset PIN

Learn More | Meeting options

10:00 a.m. – 10:05 a.m.  Welcome, Task Force Introductions, and Approval of Minutes from February 22 meeting – Teddy Bekele, Chair, Minnesota Governor’s Task Force on Broadband

10:05 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Welcome from Comcast –  Kalyn Hove, Regional Senior Vice President, Midwest Region

10:15 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. Legislative Update – Deven Bowdry, Government Relations Coordinator for DEED

10:20 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. Office of Broadband Development Update – Bree Maki, Executive Director

10:40 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. NTIA update – Tom Karst, Federal Program Officer, Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.  Break

11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. National Skills Coalition Digital Equity Presentation – Amanda Bergson-Shilcock, Senior Fellow, National Skills Coalition

11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. “Around the Table -Thoughts of Wisdom” from the outgoing Task Force members

12:15 p.m. – 12:20 p.m.  Public Comment, Other Business, Wrap-up

12:20 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Lunch