Category Archives: MN Office of Broadband Development

State broadband offices (and some industry groups) are exhausted with BEAD

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Fierce Network reports...

According to interviews and research from the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society, state broadband officers (SBOs) are exhausted by the challenges and shifting dynamics of implementing the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.

Leaders from the Benton Institute have interviewed over 30 SBOs, so far, about what it is taking to implement BEAD. And Dr. Ravati Prasad of the Benton Institute talked about the takeaways from those conversations in a recent Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) webinar.

“The people who are in charge of overseeing this work are feeling exhausted,” said Prasad. “It’s been a long haul, and more than one person said to us, ‘Just want to get it done.’ Their legislatures aren’t exactly hostile to broadband; their governors aren’t hostile to broadband. They’re just not particularly interested in talking about it anymore.”

The Minnesota Broadband Task Force has monthly meetings, where Bree Maki from the Office of Broadband Development gives an update. (See notes and video from September’s meeting.) She shares her experience working with limited and changing information from the funder and trying to manage expectations with the providers.

The providers are also feeling the pinch, as demonstrated by an industry group asking for changes to BEAD…

NRECA is urging the Trump administration to overhaul implementation of the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program to ensure BEAD meets its statutory goal to connect every American home and business with reliable, high-speed internet.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced a new round of available BEAD funding on Sept. 3 that NRECA CEO Jim Matheson said continues the program’s “misguided” approach that could leave rural communities behind.

MN Broadband Task Force September 2026: Otter Tail Digital Access and Benton on MN broadband speed goals

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The Task Force heard from Otter Tail County on their broadband experience. It was nice to hear about the impact Blandin has had on their access. The Office of Broadband Development gave an update of how things are going with BEAD and other programs. John Horrigan from Benton Institute for Broadband and Society talked about access and adoption and trends over time to percentage of coverage and speeds as well as changes in recent goals from speed, access and affordability to more access and affordability.

The Task Force also decided to send a comment to the FCC in support of E-Rate

Meeting Agenda Continue reading →

BEAD Supplemental Deployment Policy Notice – from the MN Office of Broadband Development

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

BEAD Supplemental Deployment Policy Notice

On September 3, NTIA released the BEAD Supplemental Deployment Policy Notice, establishing a second “Benefit of the Bargain” round. This is a “clean‑up” process to address remaining gaps in broadband coverage caused by provider defaults, past mapping inaccuracies, and changes in the FCC Broadband DATA Maps.

This update introduces a Supplemental BEAD Eligible Location List, built from Fabric Version 8, and requires states to run a challenge process and submit awards through a Supplemental Deployment Plan.   It is our understanding that this list is only locations NTIA provides us and does not allow for states to add locations we have data to show to be eligible.

NTIA notes that this action is limited to this round; additional uses of BEAD funding (labeled as Non-deployment) will be addressed in future guidance.

Funding Impact

NTIA will set an upper funding limit for each state based on: Average BEAD cost per location (Final Proposal) × number of newly identified unserved locations. Our average for our approved final approval was $5,200 per location.  ​At this time, we are at around 40% of the BEAD locations will be getting less that state statutory broadband (LEO’s and Fixed Wireless).

States may request a waiver for additional funds under “extraordinary circumstances,” and may need to submit budget modifications depending on the outcome of the challenge and award process. We have already put in waiver requests for BABA compliant products and cost increases due to supply chain issues, however, NTIA has not provided any responses at this time.

Next Required Steps for States

The Supplemental Notice sets out a strict sequence:

  1. NTIA issues the Supplemental Eligible Location List (Fabric v8).
  2. 30 days for state review and validation.
  3. Abbreviated 30‑day challenge window, posted within 7 days of review completion.
  4. 30 days to adjudicate challenges.
  5. 90‑day second Benefit of the Bargain round for procurement.
  6. Submission of a Supplemental Deployment Plan and any waiver requests, followed by NTIA’s 90‑day review window.

Current state of BEAD in Minnesota

  • 1 contract signed (electric cooperative) and have an estimated total to date of around 90 contracts with 20-24 providers for NOW ONLY 63,000 locations. (A solid additional 8% was removed per NTIA requirements because they are considered served via wireless or cellular or even DSL.)
  • Several more in NTIA curing or pre‑contract negotiations.
  • Minnesota has active NEPA submissions, with some projects already under review.
  • Construction cannot begin until NEPA Decision Documents + OBD Notice to Proceed.
  • Deadline for contracts + tribal consent: October 8, 2026 (90 day extension is currently requested)
  • Cost increases and supply chain; minimal benefit from NTIA’s supplemental BEAD location round, frustrations with the program, locations eligible are not within “NTIA’s cost approval model .

Minnesota Implications and Assessment

The ongoing uncertainty and frequent changes in NTIA guidelines have led numerous preliminary awardees to withdraw from the program, citing mounting worries about rising costs, supply chain issues, and stringent program requirements. These cumulative challenges have significantly impeded Minnesota’s progress in broadband expansion efforts.

Meanwhile, the OBD team continues to work tirelessly, providing support to active providers and maintaining communication with constituents still awaiting broadband deployment. Despite our efforts, the federal nature of the program—administered through the state with limited decision-making authority—poses significant obstacles.

Office of Broadband Development Update Sep 9 2026: Upcoming Task Force meeting, digital opportunity, BEAD and Line Extension updates

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From the MN Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • Broadband Task Force, September meeting plans
  • Digital Opportunity updates
  • Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) updates
  • Line Extension Connection Program, registration open for residents and businesses

Broadband Task Force, September meeting plans

The Broadband Task Force will meet Wednesday September 16 at 10 a.m. CT. This meeting will be held virtually and is open to anyone from the public to attend. Information on this upcoming meeting, including the Teams link to join, as well as past meetings can be found on the Broadband Task Force webpage.

Digital Opportunity updates

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is to review the E-Rate Program, information from the FCC available on the Federal Register. Additional resources include:

Additionally, on the federal news of the reinstatement of the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, Benton Institute recently published The Tight Clock for Reopening the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. At this time, our office has not received updated guidance from NTIA regarding whether state’s Digital Equity Capacity funds or related grants may be reinstated.

As OBD continues to navigate ongoing developments 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. 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.

On September 3, 2026, the NTIA announced a new BEAD Supplemental Deployment Policy Notice that introduces an updated process for BEAD implementation. States are actively reviewing this new guidance to better understand its implications. As NTIA releases additional information, including details on timelines, states will provide further updates and resources to keep partners and providers informed.

BEAD mentions in the news include:

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.

Minnesota Releases Draft Proposed Federal Broadband Funding Package

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From the Department of Education and Employment Development…

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today released the state’s draft final proposal for using federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funds to expand broadband availability.

The proposal would extend broadband access to 75,000 Minnesota homes and businesses, covering every location eligible for BEAD funding in the state. DEED is accepting public comment on the proposal for seven days, after which it will finalize and submit the plan to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for approval before the end of the year. Construction could begin in late spring or early summer 2026.

“Fast broadband will be a welcome resource for the thousands of Minnesota residents and businesses who will soon have access,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “This funding will help us connect thousands of Minnesota families and businesses to the internet in new, important ways.”

DEED’s proposal will use an estimated $381 million in federal BEAD grants and utilize a mixture of broadband technology, with more than half of covered locations utilizing fiber optic. Eligible locations are classified by the BEAD program as unserved (with broadband speeds slower than 25 megabits [Mbps] per second download and 3 Mbps upload) or underserved (with speeds slower than 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload).

“We are excited that 75,000 Minnesotans will soon have faster broadband because of BEAD,” said Office of Broadband Development Executive Director Bree Maki. “We are grateful to our internet service provider partners for their hard work and commitment to the Minnesotans we all serve. We will continue working hard, together, to make smart, effective investments so every Minnesotan can access broadband.”

The Office of Broadband Development will host regional, in-person informational sessions on the draft final proposal over the next week. These sessions will provide an overview of the proposal, steps for public comment and next steps for BEAD in Minnesota.

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.