Category Archives: MN Office of Broadband Development

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)

EVENT Feb 23: Office of Broadband Development presents at MN House Agriculture Finance and Policy

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From the MN House…

1:00 PM

Agriculture Finance and Policy

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

Agenda:

– Update from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Office of Broadband Development
– HFXXXX (Anderson) Farm Downpayment Assistance Program Modifications (Pending introduction; Revisor number 26-06857)
– HFXXXX (Anderson) Restricting Grain Indemnity Account transfer for other purposes (Pending introduction; Revisor number 26-06622)
– HFXXXX (Nelson) Dairy Assistance, Investment, Relief Initiative (DAIRI) modification (Pending introduction; Revisor number 26-06826)

Committee Documents:

26-06857
26-06622
26-06826

Office of Broadband Development speaks to MN Senate Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

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Today the Office of Broadband Development gave a presentation this afternoon to MN Senate Committee…

Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 03:00 PM
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Chair: Sen. Aric Putnam
Location: 1150 Minnesota Senate Bldg.

Agenda

Office of Broadband Development – Update on State Programs and BEAD

*Note I will change the video when it is archived, in the meantime, OBD starts about an hour into the video

Here are the questions:

  • 50 communities were telecommuter Forward? What is that?
    It’s a special designation that comes with some resources.
  • What’s up with satellite? I understand when the State invests in fiber but not so much satellite.
    The providers get paid by milestones. That does look different for LEO.
  • Does that mean we pay people’s bills?
    We’re paying for capacity. Not bills. NTIA defines LEOs as part of that infrastructure investment. It is a question people ask because technically everyone already has satellite.
  • What’s up with AI regulation and broadband funding?
    There are terms and conditions that we are working through with the legal team to ensure that we can deploy without fear of crossing the lines.
  • Is MN compliant with AI regulations for current Admin?
    NTIA have given themselves until March 11 to define “onerous AI” – we should know more after that.
  • Can people submit to Line Extension offline?
    We take applications by paper and phone.

The slides below can also be found in the PDF mentioned above. (I just think it’s easier to see here in graphic form.)

MN Broadband Task Force meeting Feb 2026: Rural Health Research and Technologist Computers

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The Broadband Task Force met today. Their stated goal is to focus on education in the first few months of the year. Today they heard from folks at the Mayo on rural health research and from a Task Force member Ini Augustine who does digital equity work in Hennepin County through Technologist Computers. They also got an update from the Office of Broadband Development.

Meeting Agenda Continue reading →

EVENT Feb 18: Office of Broadband Development presents to MN Senate Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

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The Office of Broadband Development will give a presentation this afternoon to MN Senate Committee…

Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 03:00 PM
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Chair: Sen. Aric Putnam
Location: 1150 Minnesota Senate Bldg.

***Revision 4: Agenda change***

*Agenda items may be added or removed.

To submit documents or request testimony, email the Committee Administrator (nick.roth@mnsenate.gov) by 3:00 PM, Tuesday 2/17.

Late submissions may not be posted in advance of the hearing or included in prepared materials for committee members.

TESTIMONY: Include the bill number, your name, title and/or organization and whether your testimony will be in support or opposition.

Agenda

Minnesota Department of Agriculture – Agency Overview

Office of Broadband Development – Update on State Programs and BEAD

Best uses for BEAD Nondeployment funds Part 1: Meeting about Part 2 tomorrow (Fed 18)

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The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society reports on the results of NTIA’s first of two listening sessions on the “Use of BEAD Funds Saved Through the Trump Administration’s Benefit of the Bargain Reforms.” (The second sessions happens tomorrow, Feb 18.)…

As mandated by Congress in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, states and territories may use BEAD funds to make subgrants to:

  • Deploy broadband networks to unserved and underserved areas,
  • Connect community anchor institutions,
  • Conduct data collection, broadband mapping, and planning;
  • Install internet and Wi-Fi infrastructure or provide reduced-cost broadband within multifamily residential buildings; and
  • Increase broadband adoption, including programs to provide affordable internet-capable devices.

In addition, Congress authorized Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Arielle Roth to determine additional uses of these funds to facilitate BEAD’s goals. NTIA’s listening sessions are meant to inform Roth’s determination on additional uses.

Attendees talked about other uses for funds, including the following topics:

  • Device Access and Digital Skills
  • Affordable Broadband Solutions
  • Returning the Funds to Treasury
  • Public Safety and Emergency Communications
  • State and Local Flexibility

EVENT Feb 18: MN Broadband Task Force February meeting – Rural Health Research

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Agenda: Broadband Task Force, February Meeting

Date: 2/18/2026

Join the meeting now.

  • Meeting ID and Pass Code: 226 514 117 478 07 and mi9iF756
  • Dial in by phone: +1 651-395-7448,,802366705# Phone conference ID: 802 366 705#
  • Join on a video conferencing device: mn@m.webex.com Video ID: 114 382 750 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 January Task Force meeting.

10:15 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.

Rural Health Research: Understanding Digital Access to Improve Community Health with 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.

10:55 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

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

11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Open the floor to other business, no meeting in March, and meeting wrap-up.

Office of Broadband Development’s Bree Maki positive about broadband deployment plans

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The Post Bulletin posts an opinion column from Bree Maki, director of the Office of Broadband Development…

At the end of last year, the federal government approved Minnesota’s proposal to expand broadband access to Minnesotans who need it most.

Under the plan, my state agency, the Department of Employment and Economic Development, will deploy Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) federal funding to connect 75,000 homes and businesses to high-speed internet and build the infrastructure we need to ensure consistent and cost-effective broadband for Minnesota.

She offers a positive perspective…

The good news is, our BEAD plan will help more Minnesotans access this fundamental resource; in fact, it may impact every Minnesota location that federal officials deemed eligible for BEAD funding. To see if your location is included in the BEAD-eligible locations or if they are funded with state programs, go to our interactive map to learn more .

This is a huge accomplishment. And it happened only because of the close partnership between DEED’s Office of Broadband Development and Minnesota’s private sector internet service providers. Throughout it all, we focused on our shared goal of serving as many people as we possibly could.

And a plan…

So, what happens next? With federal approval in hand, we now aim to award grants to our ISP partners to begin broadband infrastructure construction later this year. Minnesotans in eligible locations can expect faster broadband to be available as soon as late 2026.

But this isn’t DEED’s only broadband program. Long before BEAD, Minnesota has been a leader because we understood and prioritized broadband access. Since 2022, our flagship Border to Border Program has funded 189 large-scale broadband expansion projects, connecting an estimated 122,000 locations to faster internet. Late in 2025, we made our fourth round of awards from the Line Extension program, which connects Minnesotans who have no or slow broadband directly to service providers in their area.

Office of Broadband Matters Feb 11, 2026: Upcoming meetings

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • Broadband Task Force, meeting in February
  • Coming soon: Updated Broadband Development Training Series
  • Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) in Minnesota
  • Line Extension Connection Program updates

OBD and fellow teams at Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) recently visited the Fond du Lac Reservation to deepen their understanding of Tribal-State relations. This important step helps strengthen collaboration and ensure more inclusive economic opportunities across Minnesota.

Broadband Task Force, meeting in February

The Broadband Task Force will meet on Wednesday February 18 at 10 a.m. 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 will be posted along with other information on past meetings on the Broadband Task Force webpage.

Coming soon: Updated 2026 Broadband Development Training Series

OBD will be working alongside other state agencies on communicating updates to subgrantees and community partners by offering a revised Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems).

Originally held in April 2024, resources and presentation materials are still available on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage from state’s Department of Transportation, State Historic Preservation Office, Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, Minnesota Historical Society, Office of the State Archaeologist, and Department of Natural Resources.

The revised series will feature a combination of updates from previous presenters as needed and new information from partner agencies with resources for broadband program grantees. OBD expects to finalize and release an updated webinar schedule by March 2026. Watch for webinar registration and dates in this space and on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage.

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

OBD continues to update the OBD BEAD webpage as additional updates and resources are made available. This includes updated NTIA BEAD FAQs (2/3/2026).

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, 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.

Line Extension Connection Program updates

OBD is currently in the process of rolling out awards and getting confirmation of award acceptance from providers for Round 4 of the Line Extension Connection Program. Once this process is complete, OBD will publish final awards, which is expected to be in February.

Registration remains open for future rounds if and as funding is available for residents and businesses on the Line Extension Connection Program webpage. OBD expects to run a fifth round of Line Extension with state project funds in spring 2026.

Questions on Line Extension can be sent to deed.broadband@state.mn.us or (651)-259-7610.

Office of Broadband Development Matters (Jan 28, 2026): Updates on Line Extension, annual report and upcoming meetings

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • Broadband Task Force, January meeting recap
  • Line Extension Connection Program updates
  • Broadband updates and in the news
  • BEAD in Minnesota

Broadband Task Force, January meeting recap

The Broadband Task Force had the first meeting of 2026 on Thursday January 22, at 10 a.m. The Task Force had a legislative discussion and broadband check-in with Senator Putnam (Chair Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development) and presented on the 2025 annual report, including recommendations on meeting broadband goals in Minnesota. Deven Bowdry, (Government Relations Director, Department of Employment and Economic Development) presented a legislative preview, and OBD’s Bree Maki (Executive Director) and Megan Messerole (Broadband Environmental and Land Use Coordinator) gave overviews on broadband updates and Minnesota broadband environmental permitting.

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

OBD is currently in the process of rolling out awards and getting confirmation of award acceptance from providers for Round 4 of the Line Extension Connection Program. Once this process is complete, OBD will publish final awards, which is expected to be late January or early February.

Registration remains open for future rounds if and as funding is available for residents and businesses on the Line Extension Connection Program webpage. OBD expects to run a fifth round of Line Extension with state project funds in spring 2026.

Questions on Line Extension can be sent to deed.broadband@state.mn.us or (651)-259-7610.

Broadband updates and in the news

OBD’s 2025 annual report has been submitted and made available online on OBD’s Minnesota Reports and Resources webpage. Additionally:

BEAD in Minnesota

On December 19, 2025, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved Minnesota’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (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

OBD is awaiting final approval from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and will then begin the contracting process with subgrantees, prioritizing award agreements and readiness activities.

OBD continues to update the OBD BEAD webpage as additional updates and resources are made available, including:

NTIA is hosting the a Discussion on Federal Requirements for BEAD Subgrantees on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 1 p.m. CST. This webinar will discuss the requirements of being a federal subgrantee; while subgrantees contract directly with the Eligible Entity, this webinar will be an opportunity for SBOs and provisionally awarded subgrantees to be reminded of the baseline requirements. Register here.

The status of BEAD nationally can be followed on NTIA’s BEAD Progress Dashboard.