Category Archives: MN Office of Broadband Development

Notes from Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems) SHPO

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Today the Office of Broadband Development held a session on Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems). Below are the slides and notes on questions. The information is detailed and the OBD will be posting the archive on their website when available.

Questions:

  • Archeologists are hired to write a report. They should submit the report to SHPO when you send to the clients.
  • Q: Do you expect any permitting streamlining efforts by others to impact MN SHPO processes or requirements?
    A: No. Other entities may need to work with DEED.
    A: BEAD hired Megan to help and that will be huge.
  • This webinar isn’t about BEAD.

Resources shared during the presentation:

EVENT April 29: OBD’s Connecting One Minnesota-Broadband Meeting

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I have already posted about this event, OBD’s Connecting One Minnesota-Broadband Meeting / Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. But it seemed worth a post to talk about the event. I’m excited to hear from “National Broadband Perspective and Insights from Leading Associations” in the morning. It will be interesting to see how other states are dealing with BEAD these days.

Then the MN Broadband Task Force is meeting over lunch. Attendees are invited to join and if you haven’t attended a Task Force meeting in the past, I encourage you to show up. It’s instructive to hear what they talk about, and it would be great for the Task Force members to hear from the public!

Also, I’m on one on of the afternoon panels talking with some great folks on Community Engagement & Outreach: Building Broadband Momentum in Minnesota. Please come and help me remember creative solutions local communities have used in the past.

Notes from Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems)

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Today the Office of Broadband Development held a session on Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems). Below are the slides and notes on questions.

 

 

Questions

 

Q: Shouldn’t one clue have been that gas line should have been in yellow conduit, not blueish/green?
A: Yes

 

Q: Hi Mike, thank you so much for joining us today. Two questions; 1) How is the MNOPS preparing for the massive increase of broadband deployment construction projects that will hit the MNOPS and 811 locate program that will be part of the next four years for the BEAD program? 2) As new entrants to the broadband market, rural electric coops have experienced significant delays due to incumbent telco/ISP not providing timely locates. How will MNOPS insure BEAD broadband projects are not delayed due to incumbent telco/ISP locate delays?

A: We get a lot of communications. There has been an impact.
We are trying to mitigate locate delays. But yet, projects are been delayed.

 

Q Mike would it be a good use of BEAD funds to pay for more locators, are there enough locators available in the market or is there a skill shortage?
A: We ask that regularly. We can recommend but not demand.

 

 

Q: Is MNOPS able to proactively work with MN DEED to ensure locating companies in rural Minnesota are staffed appropriately to support the massive fiber construction about to begin?

A: We are happy to partner

 

Notes:

Resources are available on the Line Extension Connection Program (https://mn.gov/deed/programs-services/broadband/extension/) and federal BEAD program (https://mn.gov/deed/programs-services/broadband/bead/). 

Sign up for the April 23 session: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/6a5c02c3-d4f8-48fb-9ad5-c6f137b98955@eb14b046-24c4-4519-8f26-b89c2159828c  

Registration for the 4/29 Broadband Summit site is available here: mn.gov/deed/events/connecting/  

Notes from Training: Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems)

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The Office of Broadband Development is hosting a series of BEAD-related webinars to  share info with potential sub-grantees and help get ready to get deploying when the State gets approval to move forward. Below are notes, and mostly slides from the session. OBD will put the archive of the session on their website eventually.

Update with BEAD

  • Working through contracting language
  • $380M in 94 porjects
  • Working on grants management system
  • Working on environmental et al rules
  • Non-deployment funds – still waiting for guidance on how OBD can use that

MN Indian Affairs Council Office of State Archeologist (session topic)

The organizations introduced themselves, giving a history, talking about the services they provide and the laws related to their service and expertise. Cemeteries are a big part of their area of work. There are state and federal laws that apply on both federal and tribal lands.

Questions

  • Approvals only adhere to tribal areas?
    Field archaeology act – does recommend but there may be other laws that apply. IN private cemeteries it is more than recommendation.
  • What’s the turnaround time?
    A couple months

Office of Broadband Development Update April 8: Upcoming events and funding updates

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • Line Extension Connection Program, Round 5 timeline and updates
  • Register today! April 29, Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit
  • Virtual Broadband Development Training Series, continues Thursday April 9
  • Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) in Minnesota

Line Extension Connection Program, Round 5 timeline and updates

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):

  • Location Addresses Posted for Review: April 7, 2026
  • Challenges Due by end of day: April 17, 2026
  • Bidding Window Opens: 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.

Register today! April 29, Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Office of Broadband Development is hosting the Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. This in-person event will bring together national leaders, internet service providers, federal, state, tribal, and local government partners, and broadband advocates from across Minnesota. Connecting people to resources, information, and each other is critical to Minnesota’s economic stability and digital opportunity. The summit will be held at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center (6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center, MN 55434).

We are committed to providing equal access to this conference for all participants. If you need alternative formats or other reasonable accommodations, please contact mndeedevents@state.mn.us by the close of business on Friday, April 17, 2026.Virtual Broadband Development Training Series, continues Thursday April 9OBD has been working alongside other state agencies on streamlining environmental reviews and permitting efforts for broadband infrastructure projects across Minnesota. Originally held in 2024, this April, OBD and state agency partners will offer four new webinar sessions through a revised Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems).

The April 9 session will feature information from the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC) and the Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) on their work with broadband infrastructure projects. This session will be recorded and shared on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage.

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) in Minnesota

The Office of Broadband Development has made a significant advance in initiating new broadband construction by submitting the selected BEAD project areas to the National Telecommunication and Information Administration’s Environmental Screening and Permitting Tracking Tool. This proactive step helps streamline the necessary environmental reviews and permitting processes, ensuring that Minnesota’s broadband expansion efforts continue to progress efficiently and remain on schedule. ​​The ESAPTT tool will streamline National Environmental Protections Act (NEPA) review for each project. For straightforward projects, this review can take a minimum of around 90 days, and longer for more complex sites, so getting our submissions in now keeps Minnesota’s BEAD program moving steadily toward deployment.OBD continues to update the OBD BEAD webpage as resources are made available. Resources most recently added include:

EVENT April 29: MN Broadband Summit!

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Register for the Broadband Summit!

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Office of Broadband Development invites you to attend the Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

This in-person event will bring together national leaders, internet service providers, federal, state, tribal, and local partners, along with broadband advocates from across Minnesota. Together, we’ll explore how connecting people to resources, information, and each other supports Minnesota’s economic strength and expands digital opportunity statewide.

The summit will begin at 8:30 a.m. with registration, coffee, and a light breakfast, and will conclude at 4:00 p.m. The day will feature:

  • An opening welcome from DEED and State leadership
  • A networking lunch
  • Breakout sessions covering key topics such as BEAD implementation, mapping, digital skills and security, and permitting

Session Spotlight: Regional Leadership in Action

Join a fireside conversation with broadband leaders from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan as they share how they are navigating BEAD implementation and other federal investments. This discussion will explore common challenges such as workforce, permitting, affordability, and infrastructure, while highlighting how states collaborate across the Upper Midwest to expand broadband access.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into state leadership, regional coordination, and what lies ahead as broadband efforts move from planning to execution.

Moderator: Kathryn de Wit, The Pew Charitable Trusts
Speakers: Eric Frederick (Michigan), Alyssa Kenney (Wisconsin), Bree Maki (Minnesota)

Register and Learn More:

A small $20 registration fee helps offset catering and conference costs. View the full agenda, explore all sessions and topics, and register today to secure your spot. Full speaker information and session details will be updated on a rolling basis on our website.

With high demand expected, we recommend registering early to secure your spot. 

 We look forward to seeing you on April 29, 2026

Register Here

Event center details

Connecting One Minnesota: 2026 Broadband Summit will be held at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center (6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center, MN 55434).  

Free parking will be available at the venue.  

MN OBD Update Mar 25: Conference Registration is open and training starts soon

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • Register today! April 29, Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit
  • Virtual Broadband Development Training Series, starts Thursday April 2
  • Line Extension Connection Program
  • Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) in Minnesota
  • DEED Blog: An introduction to the Minnesota Broadband Charter

Thank you to the Hmong American Partnership (HAP) and Comcast for inviting OBD to join Mayor Her of Saint Paul, along with other state and local elected officials, to participate in touring HAP’s newly renovated Lift Zone and learning how the Lift Zone continues to advance connectivity, learning, and opportunity for residents through expanding digital access, enhancing technology resources, and creating refreshed community spaces that support digital equity initiatives and emerging telehealth efforts.

Register today! April 29, Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Office of Broadband Development is hosting the Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. This in-person event will bring together national leaders, internet service providers, federal, state, tribal, and local government partners, and broadband advocates from across Minnesota. Connecting people to resources, information, and each other is critical to Minnesota’s economic stability and digital opportunity.

The summit will be held at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center (6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center, MN 55434).

We are committed to providing equal access to this conference for all participants. If you need alternative formats or other reasonable accommodations, please contact mndeedevents@state.mn.us by the close of business on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Virtual Broadband Development Training Series, starts Thursday April 2

OBD has been working alongside other state agencies on streamlining environmental reviews and permitting efforts for broadband infrastructure projects across Minnesota. Originally held in 2024, this April, OBD and state agency partners will offer four new webinar sessions through a revised Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems).

The April 2 session will feature the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) and provide an overview of DLI’s involvement with the Safety-Qualified Underground Telecommunications Installer Certification Program.

This session will be recorded and shared on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage.

Line Extension Connection Program

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

Outreach materials on registration were mailed to over 61,000 locations in the past week. OBD expects to run a fifth round of Line Extension with state project funds in Spring 2026 and is currently in the process of rolling out awards and getting confirmation of award acceptance from providers for Round 4. Preliminary awards have been published to the Line Extension Connection Program webpage.

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) in Minnesota

OBD continues to update the OBD BEAD webpage as resources are made available. New resources have been added on environmental permitting and the National Environmental Permitting Policy (NEPA) including:

DEED Blog: An introduction to the Minnesota Broadband Charter

“The Broadband Charter has become a vital forum for collaboration among state agencies, enabling streamlined permitting processes and improved communication while respecting each agency’s mission. By adding dedicated capacity and fostering partnerships at both state and federal levels, OBD and the Charter are ensuring that broadband infrastructure can be deployed efficiently and effectively – bringing reliable connectivity to every corner of the state.”

Read the full story on the DEED Developments Blog.

EVENT April 29: Connecting One Minnesota: 2026 Broadband Summit Registration Open now

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From the MN Office of Broadband Development…

Register Now for the Broadband Summit!

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Office of Broadband Development invites you to attend the Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

This in-person event will bring together national leaders, internet service providers, federal, state, tribal, and local partners, along with broadband advocates from across Minnesota. Together, we’ll explore how connecting people to resources, information, and each other supports Minnesota’s economic strength and expands digital opportunity statewide.

The summit will begin at 8:30 a.m. with registration, coffee, and a light breakfast, and will conclude at 4:00 p.m. The day will feature:

  • An opening welcome from DEED and State leadership
  • A networking lunch
  • Breakout sessions covering key topics such as BEAD implementation, mapping, digital skills and security, and permitting

High-level Agenda (Central Time):

  • 8:30 a.m.: Arrival and registration with coffee and light breakfast
  • 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Main stage general sessions with opening welcome from DEED and State leadership
  • 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.: Networking lunch and Governor’s Broadband Task Force monthly meeting
  • 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.: Breakout sessions on key topics and initiatives

A small $20 registration fee helps offset catering and conference costs. Event details, including the full agenda, breakout session topics, speaker biographies, and exhibitor information, will be updated on a rolling basis on our website

With high demand expected, we recommend registering early to secure your spot. 

 We look forward to seeing you on April 29, 2026

Register Here

Event center details

Connecting One Minnesota: 2026 Broadband Summit will be held at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center (6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center, MN 55434).  

Free parking will be available at the venue.  

We are committed to providing equal access to this conference for all participants. If you need alternative formats or other reasonable accommodations, please contact mndeedevents@state.mn.us by the close of business on Friday, April 24, 2026.

An introduction to the Minnesota Broadband Charter from the Office of Broadband Development

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An introduction to the Minnesota Broadband Charter from the Office of Broadband Development…

Minnesota has a goal to achieve border-to-border high-speed internet access to the state. The Minnesota Office of Broadband Development (OBD) helps administer state and federal grants to achieve this goal. To deploy these linear infrastructure projects, broadband projects must navigate a complex range of permits, licenses and authorizations to ensure the project is achieved through timely, coordinated and sustainable methods.

The Minnesota Broadband Charter Group (the Charter) was created in the fall of 2024 by OBD in coordination with other Minnesota state government agencies, including:

  • Department of Transportation​
  • Department of Labor and Industry​
  • Department of Natural Resources​
  • State Historic Preservation Office​
  • Office of the State Archaeologist​
  • Indian Affairs Council​
  • Office of Pipeline Safety​
  • Department of Commerce
  • Gopher State One Call​

The Charter meets regularly to collaborate, streamline and prioritize environmental and land-use permitting and approvals to effectively and efficiently deploy broadband infrastructure to all Minnesotans.

Working closely with the Charter, OBD has developed clear process maps and created mechanisms to share timely information about upcoming state and federal broadband grants and their potential impact on permitting needs. The Charter also engages with federal agencies to review guidance related to the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act and other applicable federal laws, ensuring alignment and efficiency across all levels of government.

The Broadband Charter has become a vital forum for collaboration among state agencies, enabling streamlined permitting processes and improved communication while respecting each agency’s mission. By adding dedicated capacity and fostering partnerships at both state and federal levels, OBD and the Charter are ensuring that broadband infrastructure can be deployed efficiently and effectively – bringing reliable connectivity to every corner of the state.

To stay up to date on news and resources like this from the OBD, sign up for our biweekly newsletter.

MN Office of Broadband Development Updates: Save the date! April 29, Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • Save the date! April 29, Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit
  • Register now, 2026 Broadband Development Training Series
  • Line Extension Connection Program
  • Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) in Minnesota

Save the date! April 29, Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Office of Broadband Development is hosting the Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. This in-person event will bring together national leaders, internet service providers, federal, state, tribal, and local government partners, and broadband advocates from across Minnesota. Connecting people to resources, information, and each other is critical to Minnesota’s economic stability and digital opportunity.

The summit will be held at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center (6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center, MN 55434). Free parking will be available at the venue.

Registration will open in early spring. A $20 registration fee helps offset catering and conference costs.

We are committed to providing equal access to this conference for all participants. If you need alternative formats or other reasonable accommodations, please contact mndeedevents@state.mn.us by the close of business on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Register now, 2026 Broadband Development Training Series

OBD has been working alongside other state agencies on streamlining environmental reviews and permitting efforts for broadband infrastructure projects across Minnesota. Originally held in 2024, this April, OBD and state agency partners will offer four new webinar sessions through a revised Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems).

2026 sessions will feature a combination of updates from previous presenters and new information from partner agencies with resources for broadband program grantees. Sessions will be recorded and shared on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage.

Line Extension Connection Program

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

Outreach materials on registration will be mailed to over 61,000 locations in the coming weeks. OBD expects to run a fifth round of Line Extension with state project funds in Spring 2026 and is currently in the process of rolling out awards and getting confirmation of award acceptance from providers for Round 4. Preliminary awards have been published to the Line Extension Connection Program webpage.

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) in Minnesota

OBD continues to update the OBD BEAD webpage as resources are made available.

On December 19, 2025, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved Minnesota’s BEAD Final Proposal, advancing the state’s plan to expand high‑speed internet with federal funding. Following extensive engagement, restructuring, and over 18 rounds of curing, Minnesota has been initially approved for:

  • $378.9 million in BEAD subgrants across 94 projects. These projects are supported by nearly $190 million in matching funds, representing a total anticipated investment of more than $568.8 million
  • Funds will connect 74,739 locations

On Monday February 9, 2026 OBD received its BEAD Notice of Award (NoA) from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Next steps will include contracting with subgrantees, which must be completed within 6 months of receipt of the NoA.

BEAD in the news:

EVENT April 29: Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Plan Ahead and Save the Date

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Office of Broadband Development is hosting the Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. This in-person event will bring together national leaders, internet service providers, federal, state, tribal, and local government partners, and broadband advocates from across Minnesota. Connecting people to resources, information, and each other is critical to Minnesota’s economic stability and digital opportunity.

The summit will start at 8:30 a.m. with registration, coffee, and a light breakfast, and conclude at 4:00 p.m. There will be an opening and welcome from DEED and State leadership, a networking lunch, and breakout sessions on BEAD implementation, mapping, digital skills and security, permitting, and other key topics.

High-level Agenda (Central Time):

  • 8:30 a.m.: Arrival and registration with coffee and light breakfast
  • 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Main stage general sessions with opening welcome from DEED and State leadership
  • 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.: Networking lunch and Governor’s Broadband Task Force monthly meeting
  • 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.: Breakout sessions on key topics and initiatives

Registration will open in early spring. A $20 registration fee helps cover catering costs and ensures funds are used appropriately.

Full event details, registration, and the agenda will be shared soon. Mark your calendars for April 29!

Event center details

Connecting One Minnesota: 2026 Broadband Summit will be at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center (6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center, MN 55434).  

Free parking will be available at the venue.  

We are committed to providing equal access to this conference for all participants. If you need alternative formats or other reasonable accommodations, please contact mndeedevents@state.mn.us by the close of business on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Office of Broadband Development Mar 1 2026: April Webinars, Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems)

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

April 2026 Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems)

Registration information below!

The Office of Broadband Development (OBD) has been working alongside other state agencies on streamlining and understanding environmental reviews and permitting efforts for broadband infrastructure projects across Minnesota. Originally held in 2024, this April, OBD and state agency partners will offer four new webinar sessions through a revised Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems).

These 2026 sessions will feature a combination of updates from previous presenters and new information from partner agencies with resources for broadband program grantees. Registration information for the 2026 webinar sessions and the materials from the 2024 series are also available on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage. Sessions will be recorded and shared.

Thursday April 2 at 10 a.m. | Department of Labor and Industry

Register for the DLI session on April 2

  • Sean O’Neil (Director of Licensing & Enforcement, Construction Codes and Licensing Division)
  • Don Sivigny (Supervisor/Education, Rules, Codes, and Grants, Construction Codes and Licensing Division)

Join the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) for an overview of DLI’s involvement with the Safety-Qualified Underground Telecommunications Installer Certification Program.

Thursday April 9 at 10 a.m. | Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC) and the Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA)

Register for the MIAC and OSA session on April 9

  • Lilly Geraghty (MIAC, Cultural Resource Manager)
  • Amanda Gronhovd (OSA, Minnesota State Archaeologist)

Updated informational session from the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC) and the Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) on their work with broadband infrastructure projects.

Thursday April 16 at 10 a.m. | Office of Pipeline Safety

Register for the Office of Pipeline Safety session April 16

  • Michael Mendiola (P.E. | Damage Prevention Manager)

Join the Office of Pipeline Safety for an introduction and insight into their work with underground utility damage prevention and their involvement with broadband program grantees.

Thursday April 23 at 10 a.m. | State Historic Preservation Office

Register for the SHPO session April 23

  • Lucy Harrington (Environmental Review Archaeologist)
  • Kelly Gragg-Johnson (Environmental Review Specialist)

In this final session, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) will review processes and discuss updates, including how to submit archaeological survey reports as part of review.

Please email deed.broadband@state.mn.us with any questions or accessibility requests. 

Office of Broadband Development Feb 25, 2026: BEAD & Line Extension updates

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • Coming soon! 2026 Broadband Development Training Series
  • Line Extension Connection Program updates
  • Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) in Minnesota
  • Broadband Task Force, February meeting recap
  • In the news, Bree Maki: Got broadband? If no, it may arrive later this year

Executive Director, Bree Maki, presented Office of Broadband Development legislative updates to the Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee, Wednesday February 18 and the House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee, Monday February 23.

Recordings and materials from both are available in the archives on the Senate webpage and House webpage.

Coming soon! 2026 Broadband Development Training Series

OBD has been working alongside other state agencies on streamlining environmental reviews and permitting efforts for broadband infrastructure projects across Minnesota. Those updates will be presented to community partners through a revised Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems).

The revised series will feature a combination of updates from previous presenters and new information from partner agencies with resources for broadband program grantees. Registration information for the webinar sessions will be posted alongside the materials from the original 2024 series on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage.

Line Extension Connection Program updates

Registration remains open for residents and businesses for future rounds of the Line Extension Connection Program. More information and the registration page is 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.

OBD expects to run a fifth round of Line Extension with state project funds in Spring 2026 and is currently in the process of rolling out awards and getting confirmation of award acceptance from providers for Round 4. Preliminary awards will be published to the Line Extension Connection Program webpage later this week.

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) in Minnesota

OBD continues to update the OBD BEAD webpage as resources are made available. This includes:

On December 19, 2025, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved Minnesota’s BEAD Final Proposal, advancing the state’s plan to expand high‑speed internet with federal funding. Following extensive engagement, restructuring, and over 18 rounds of curing, Minnesota has been initially approved for:

  • $378.9 million in BEAD subgrants across 94 projects. These projects are supported by nearly $190 million in matching funds, representing a total anticipated investment of more than $568.8 million
  • Funds will connect connect 74,739 locations

On Monday February 9, 2026 OBD received its BEAD Notice of Award (NoA) from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Next steps will include contracting with subgrantees, which must be completed within 6 months of receipt of the NoA.

Broadband Task Force, February meeting recap

The Broadband Task Force met Wednesday February 18 at 10 a.m. The Task Force heard presentations from Tabetha Brockman (Assistant Professor of Psychology, Program Manager, Mayo Clinic Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCaTS) Rural Health Research Core) and Ilaya Rome Hopkins (Community Engagement Coordinator, MCCCC & CCaTS Rural Health Research Core) on Rural Health Research: Understanding Digital Access to Improve Community Health. Minnesota Governor’s Task Force on Broadband Member, Ini Augustine (Chief Executive Officer, Technologist Computers), presented on the Neighbors Connect Digital Access Program.

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

In the news, Bree Maki: Got broadband? If no, it may arrive later this year

Executive Director, Bree Maki, discussed the state of broadband access in Minnesota in Rochester’s Post-Bulletin, noting:

“Broadband is an absolute necessity in today’s world. Nearly every family relies on fast internet to connect to work, school, health care, entertainment, friends and family. Minnesota businesses need it to reach customers, compete locally or globally, and grow. It allows people to live and work where they wish to across the state. But too many Minnesotans still don’t have access to broadband.”

The full op-ed is available online here.

Office of Broadband Development presentation to MN House Committee on Agriculture Finance and Policy

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Today, the Office of Broadband Development presents to MN House Committee on Agriculture Finance and Policy:

Monday, February 23, 2026, 1:00 PM
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Co-Chair: Rep. Paul Anderson holds the gavel
Co-Chair: Rep. Rick Hansen
Location: Capitol G3

The presentation will look remarkably similar to the recent presentation given to the Senate Committee last week.

*this is a link to the live video, broadband starts around 3:15. I will replace this with the archive video once available.

QUESTIONS:

  • Q Line Extension: I heard they were being assessed an extra fee because their connection was copper. In Stearns County, but this county wasn’t a part of the county effort to get service.
    We will need to look at the location. Line Extension won’t overbuild.
  • Any impact from tariffs?
    Not yet – as far as current construction. But we hear with BEAD that suppliers are having challenges. BEAD is required to buy American/build America – but we’re running into shortages there because the supplies weren’t for broadband only. We may be looking for waivers.
  • Q: We have a lot of folks on LEO & Fixed wireless – do you know cost of location? And how it might increase?
    Within BEAD: LEO didn’t apply during program so no limitations. Both were awarded another way at $900-1800 per location but we don’t know what we will be buying. Would have to dig to get stats on fixed wireless. Average cost in BEAD was around $5000 taking in account all modes of broadband. Highest cost was $36,000 per location. It was not accepted. But we did get approval for $22,000 per location.
  • Q: Shouldn’t we try to get fiber for a minimum of $5000? What’s our goal with fiber?
    BEAD is its own thing. State programs and goals are different.
  • Q: LEOA and fixed wireless – do they meet state requirements for speeds?
    No
  • Q: Why are we doing this in rural areas?
    It helps the childcare shortage by allowing childcare workers to do professional development at home. Also it makes reporting to the State easier.
  • Q: Who builds the broadband? Do you work with contractors or do you put our an RFP?
    OBD grants are for broadband providers.
  • Q: Do you have issues with workforce shortages?
    ISPs generally plan in advance. But it is a challenge.
  • Q: Given the federal funds and state investment when will we get ubiquitous broadband?
    We thought it would be $1.2 billion.
  • Q: How is MN doing?
    We have been doing this work for a long time so our questions are more complex than other states.
  • Q: It used to be that local providers got dibs on funding. Is that still true?
    We do rank applications by local support. It behooves providers to build relationships with the community.

EVENT Feb 23: Office of Broadband Development presents to MN House Committee on Agriculture Finance and Policy

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The Office of Broadband Development presents to MN House Committee on Agriculture Finance and Policy…

Monday, February 23, 2026 , 1:00 PM

Agriculture Finance and Policy

Co-Chair: Rep. Paul Anderson holds the gavel
Co-Chair: Rep. Rick Hansen
Location: Capitol G3
Agenda:

Please note: Eligibility for the Dairy Assistance, Investment, Relief Initiative (DAIRI) program modified, now HF 3508 (Nelson), is removed from the agenda.
– Update from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Office of Broadband Development

Live Video

Bills Added

HF3548(Anderson)
Farm down payment assistance program modified.

HF3549(Anderson)
Use of the grain indemnity account modified.

Committee Documents:

(2/20/2026)

(2/20/2026)

(2/20/2026)

(2/20/2026)