Category Archives: MN Office of Broadband Development

Office of Broadband Development Updates: BEAD updates, upcoming meetings, staff changes

Posted on by
Reply

The Office of Broadband Development provides the following updates. I wanted to add just one – and that’s the departure of Hannah Buckland as New Digital Equity Lead. She has found a new home at DEED but unfortunately this is a consequence of the cuts in federal Digital Equity Act funding.

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • BEAD updates
  • Broadband in the news
  • Line Extension Connection Program

BEAD updates 

OBD continues to work on following the updated guidance published from NTIA in the June 6, 2025 BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice. Updated documents and additional resources on the OBD BEAD webpage  include:

Upcoming office hours from the OBD have been scheduled for Tuesdays at 11am and will not be recorded unless otherwise noted. Materials from recent sessions can be found on the OBD BEAD webpage. 

Broadband in the news

Organizations continue to publish resources and updates on understanding the federal changes impacting the BEAD and Digital Equity Act (DEA) broadband programs. Some of these resources, as well as additional broadband news, include: 

Line Extension Connection Program

The Minnesota Line Extension Connection Program aims to connect residents and businesses that lack access to wired broadband internet service with service providers and assist in the expense of extending broadband to those locations.

Owners of residential and business locations lacking a wired internet connection with access to actual speeds equal to or greater than 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, can submit their address location for bid consideration by entering their information into the Line Extension Connection portal to initiate their interest in receiving broadband internet service. Applicants should complete every applicable question including providing additional comments that will help explain the critical need of broadband for the household/business, including any barriers. More information on how to submit an application via portal, phone, or mail is available on the OBD Line Extension Connection webpage.

Office of Broadband Development Office Hours July 1 2025: hoping to get BEAD applications open by July 14

Posted on by
Reply

Almost 50 people attended the Office of Broadband Development Office Hour today. The discussion is very nuts and bolts discussion of the BEAD funding and applications. Below is a video, notes and questions.

  • Sending compliance letter to NTIA. Mapping of new eligible locations is done and on the BEAD website. (ARC GIS Platform.)
  • IN process – is application portal. Still in development.
  • FAQs are almost caught up.
  • July 14 (at the latest) is application portal opening – July 24 will be closed.
  • OBD needs everything in by September 4
  • There have been question son new applications – hope to get those done tomorrow. Should look similar to the old application with some questions made optional
  • Looking for the lowest cost option
  • Some secondary criteria is now obsolete.
  • Hoping to get more guidance this week.

Questions:

Do applicants that are already listed on the approved BEAD applicants list published on the website need to submit another prequalification application?
No

Will we be able to edit our prior application or do we need to start a new one?
We will carry forward completed applications from the past. You can make limited changes. If you have too many changes you will need to start anew

What BDC fabric was used for eligibility maps?
BDC 4

Rumor is that NTIA requires fabric 6? Are other states wrong?
Might be in the interpretation.
We do not want to rerun challenges

Can we still pick our project areas for round one?
Yes. This is best and final round for choosing your area.

Can we use old letters of credit?
I think they will be but we just got new guidance

There is just one round for this new BEAD, right?  No second, third or any other type of round is expected.  Correct?

Yes

Is the list that’s on the website, subject to change after NTIA review?
RDOF is added

Is the list that’s on the website, subject to change after NTIA review?
We hope not

If the portal opens early will the deadline remain the same?
Yes

Will the RDOF defaulted ISPs be allowed to apply for BEAD?
That would be unexpected. Lumen is not pre-approved. We do look at past performance.

Do you know approximately how many ULFW locations were removed?
Between 200-300

What’s the RDOF impact?
Not in front of me

Can you please clarify when the application opens and closes? Thank you
opens July 14 – closes July 24

From the chat:

 

State Broadband Offices, including MN, concerned about BEAD changes

Posted on by
Reply

Broadband Breakfast reports…

With states facing a Sept. 4 deadline to submit their final plans for Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment funding, broadband experts met last week to discuss how BEAD’s new policy notice will change outcomes for the communities the program serves.

The Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition held a webinar Wednesday  with two state broadband officials and two from the private sector. Executive director of Minnesota’s Office of Broadband Development Bree Maki worries how the narrowed program qualifications will affect community anchor institutions following the policy notice on BEAD sent out June 6.

“We’re certainly frustrated by this definition,” said Maki. “We in our states all have a definition, we know, hands on the ground, what that looks like and why.”

Office of Broadband Development Office Hours June 24, 2025: BEAD Pre-qualification is open

Posted on by
Reply

More than 30 people attended the Office of Broadband Development Office Hour today. They do a great job of outlining changes and updates but it’s a lot to understand and not everything is set in stone yet. Below are the PpowerPoint slides, notes and questions.

  • Pre-qualification is open
  • Trying to update the FAQ
  • Trying to get application out soon – hopefully July 7
  • Updating maps – especially with RDOF default additions
  • Providers will be able to pick areas (working on that)
  • Think there will only be one round of grants with these changes
  • There will be new rules for priority technology assessments
  • Rubric will really focus on cheapest
  • Deconfliction of overlapping applications
  • Here’s a link to the new info on BEAD on the OBD website: https://mn.gov/deed/programs-services/broadband/bead/
  • There is a timeline – unfortunately a little behind but focused on getting applications
  • Final OBD proposal for comment aiming for Aug 21
  • OBD proposal due September 4

Questions:

Do you have details on what you might ask for priority justification? Data/narrative?
Folling NTIA guidance. Asked to demonstrate

Can you briefly go over again what you have already changed in the locations and what is still remaining to change? I heard you say you have new locations but have not published yet. Do you have an anticipated date for the final locations?
There were Lumen RDOF defaults were added and some no-BEADS that were removed – also unlicensed fixed wireless challenge. We’re hoping for next week. Wireless challenge is due Thursday. We are trying not to leave pending info because it leads to more uncertainty.

Benton recently wrote an article that “States still have a path to fiber with BEAD” using ARPA funds.  Is this possible in Minnesota?  Thanks!
To the extent there’s ARPA funding – yes. ARPA received at OBD was capitol funds – it was spent but there were some revolving funds. We hope to do more line extension with that funding in late summer.

Will there be any application guidance ahead of the portal opening and do you anticipate the portal being much different than the previous round?
There will be guidance, hopefully next week, before the portal is ready. We don’t expect a lot of changes. If anything, it will be streamlined to reflect the changes.

What version of fabric will be used going forward?
In some ways it’s version 6. It’s the underlying layer not the availability. We do see some issues with the locations we have been asked to be removed.

With only 1 grant round is OBD concerned that many locations may not get applied for and thus many locations will remain unserved or underserved?
Not sure. Maybe if applicants were expecting to win in round one and then come back for round two. But we’re working within the time constraints we have -so we’re hoping folks will be able to apply for all they can successfully deploy at the onset.

BEAD requires that we show internet to all. So if there are areas without applications, they will likely get colored with satellite coverage.

Will be able to modify our previous application in the portal or will a new application be required to be entered from scratch?
The intent is that we can do some carry forward with old applications. But you could do new if you chose.

How many years will LEO have to deliver services?
It’s in the guidance – these are capacity grants. We will add this to the FAQ .

When will the locations be finalized for the next round?
As soon as unlicensed fixed wireless challenge is complete – hopefully next week.

Will applicants be required to secure updated ILOC or evidence of match?
That would depend on what it is. We expect more guidance in the future.

Do you anticipate requiring new PE stamped maps for “carry forward” applications?
No.

OBD is working on application design. Please share any concerns. It is helpful to know.

OBD Updates: BEAD, Line Extension and Future Office Hours

Posted on by
Reply

From the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • BEAD updates
  • Resources on federal BEAD changes
  • Broadband Task Force, June meeting recap
  • Line Extension Connection Program

BEAD updates 

On Friday June 6, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released the BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice modifying elements of the BEAD program. Minnesota’s Office of Broadband Development is working with federal, state and local partners to understand how this impacts our state’s ability to empower Minnesotans through the implementation of the federal BEAD program in our state.

Information will continue to be posted and updated as needed on the OBD BEAD webpage.

Upcoming BEAD office hours from the OBD have been scheduled. These will be Tuesdays at 11 am, and will not be recorded unless otherwise noted.

Resources on federal BEAD changes 

Other news and resources on understanding the impacts of the June 6, BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice include:  

The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of the Minnesota State Office of Broadband Development.  

Governor’s Task Force on Broadband, June meeting recap

The Broadband Task Force met virtually on Wednesday, June 11 at 10am. The Task Force heard a presentation from Neighborhood House’s Shabazz-Adasi Milton (Digital Navigator, American Connection Corps/Neighborhood House), Noah Nelsen, (Evening Adult Education Program Supervisor, Neighborhood House) and Nick Contreraz (Vice President of Programs, Neighborhood House) providing a background and overview of the work of their organization.

The Task Force will not be meeting in July, and information on the August meeting, as well as other past meetings, will be available on the Broadband Task Force webpage.

The Minnesota Line Extension Connection Program aims to connect residents and businesses that lack access to wired broadband internet service with service providers and assist in the expense of extending broadband to those locations.
Owners of residential and business locations lacking a wired internet connection with access to actual speeds equal to or greater than 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, can submit their address location for bid consideration by entering their information into the Line Extension Connection portal to initiate their interest in receiving broadband internet service. More information on how to submit an application via portal, phone, or mail is available on the OBD Line Extension Connection webpage.

State Broadband Offices plan to work with BEAD – including MN’s OBD

Posted on by
Reply

Broadband Breakfast reports…

After setting aside “visceral” reactions against the NTIA’s June 6 restructuring policy notice governing the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, state broadband officials Thursday expressed willingness to roll up their sleeves and make it work.

It would be a hard time to be working at a State Broadband Office. So many changes. So many timelines. But last week, the Minnesota Office of sent out a message saying they are moving forward and inviting folks to learn more at their online office hours tomorrow…

OBD is committed to continue our transparency in communications and sharing information and updates as we understand them. We will share this information as it is available on the OBD BEAD webpage, and at a BEAD Office Hours + Information Session, Tuesday June 17 at 11am. Please reach out with any questions or concerns to deed.broadband@state.mn.us.  

OBD Executive Director, Bree Maki, said much the same at the MN Broadband Task Force meeting earlier in the week.

Office of Broadband Development Updates: BEAD Updates & June 17 Office Hours

Posted on by
Reply

From the Office of Broadband Development…

Federal BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice

On Friday June 6, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released an updated Policy Notice modifying certain elements of the BEAD program. Minnesota’s Office of Broadband Development is working with federal, state and local partners to understand how this impacts our state’s ability to empower Minnesotans through the implementation of the federal BEAD program in our state.  

Our office has been working since 2021 to meet the federal BEAD guidelines as they have been provided and updated and ensure a program that not only meets those guidelines but also state statutes to expand reliable broadband access in Minnesota. OBD has worked with our trusted and valued community partners, internet service providers, across state agencies, and with many others to get broadband service to the unserved and underserved locations in Minnesota.   

The State of Minnesota has prioritized and invested in broadband programs that will improve people’s lives, and broadband is an essential economic development tool that helps Minnesota communities grow and thrive, gain workers and support business vitality. 

OBD is committed to continue our transparency in communications and sharing information and updates as we understand them. We will share this information as it is available on the OBD BEAD webpage, and at a BEAD Office Hours + Information Session, Tuesday June 17 at 11am. Please reach out with any questions or concerns to deed.broadband@state.mn.us.  

Thank you for your continued engagement with our office and in this process. We are committed to working together for all Minnesotans.  

Sincerely,  

Bree Maki, Executive Director 

Tuesday June 17, BEAD Office Hours Information + Update Session

OBD will hold an office hours session on Tuesday June 17 at 11am to provide updates as we know them on the federal changes to the BEAD program and take time for Q+A. Office hours will not be recorded unless otherwise noted but slides and other session materials will be posted to the OBD BEAD webpage. Register through the link below.

MN Broadband Task Force June 2025: Digital Inclusion program in St Paul

Posted on by
Reply

Today the MN Broadband Task Force heard from digital equity workers from Neighborhood House, a nonprofit in St Paul that works with people in need. Bree Maki from the Office of Broadband Development gave an update on ’what’s happening with MN broadband grants in the field and updates with BEAD.

Full notes: Continue reading →

EVENT June 11: MN Broadband Task Force June Meeting

Posted on by
Reply

From the Office of Broadband Development...

Governor’s Task Force on Broadband

Wednesday June 11, 2025

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Virtual

Microsoft Teams Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 221 622 846 713

Passcode: 9UK6Me6J

Dial in by phone +1 651-395-7448,,483094400# United States, Minneapolis Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 483 094 400#

Join on a video conferencing device Tenant key: mn@m.webex.com

Video ID: 118 181 540 8 More info

 

10:00 a.m. – 10:10 a.m. Welcome

Teddy Bekele, Chair, Minnesota Governor’s Task Force on Broadband

 

10:10 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Approval of minutes from May Task Force Meeting

 

10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Neighborhood House Shabazz-Adasi Milton, Digital Navigator, American Connection Corps/Neighborhood House

Noah Nelson, Evening Adult Education Program Supervisor, Neighborhood House

Nick Contreraz, Vice President of Programs, Neighborhood House

 

10:45a.m. – 10:50 a.m. Legislative Updates

 

10:50 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. Office of Broadband Development Overview + BEAD and Digital Opportunity Updates

Bree Maki, Executive Director, OBD

 

11:10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Other Business, Upcoming Meeting Plans, Wrap-up

State broadband leaders react to BEAD goal of awarding cheapest cost per user

Posted on by
Reply

Broadband Breakfast reports…

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick testified to the Senate Wednesday that he would “shortly” release a new notice of funding opportunity for the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program. The exact details of the new rules still aren’t clear, but state broadband officers said Wednesday they were hoping for some flexibility from the new rules. …

Lutnick told Senators that “as long as you are technologically agnostic, and agree to provide broadband at the cheapest price per user” – goals he has previously said he has for the program – the agency would approve states’ BEAD plans by the end of the year. He said states would have 90 days to submit those plans after the new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) was released. It’s still not clear how much work the new rules will require states to do, or if the more than 40 that have started or finished their bidding processes will have to restart.

State broadband leaders had reactions, including from Minnesota…

Bree Maki, Minnesota’s broadband director, also said she wanted state autonomy preserved. She said it was difficult to plan at this point because “we just don’t know” what the new rules will be.

“My biggest concern is spooking off the voluntary grantees that apply for these programs and participate in them,” she said. “It’s really important to remember our relationships with our internet service providers and make sure that we are open, honest, and communicate with all of them as we move forward.”

Office of Broadband Development Updates: Line Extension & Telecommuter Forward!

Posted on by
Reply

An update from the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • OBD, in the field!
  • Governor’s Task Force on Broadband, May meeting recap + June meeting plans
  • Line Extension Connection Program
  • Digital Opportunity updates
  • Telecommuter Forward!

OBD, in the field!

Staff from OBD have been out around the state visiting project sites from previous rounds of Border-to-Border and Line Extension funding! This has included:

February saw site visits to Runestone and Arvig Projects.

In March, OBD staff visited project sites with ECE, Charter, SCI, Albany Telephone, Sytek, Gardonville, and Red River.

And in April, visited Meeker and Wiktel projects and closed out a Line Extension Round 2 project for SE MN Wifi. 

Governor’s Task Force on Broadband, May meeting recap + June meeting plans

The Broadband Task Force met on Thursday May 15 at 10am. The Task Force head a presentation on the Hopkins Digital Access Initiative from Rebekah Crosby (Co-Founder, Connecting to Thrive), Carolyn Leslie (Co-Founder, Connecting to Thrive), and Beth Kivett (Activity Center Program Coordinator, Hopkins Activity Center) on the collaborative community effort to develop a digital access plan in Hopkin. Jill Huffman (Chief Executive Officer, Spring Grove Communications + MiBroadband) and Kristi Westbrock (Chief Executive Officer/General Manager, Consolidated Telecommunications Company) spoke on a Women in Broadband Leadership Panel to provide perspectives from industry leaders on women’s role in broadband. A huge thank you to the speakers and presenters for sharing their time and expertise!

The Broadband Task Force will be meeting on Wednesday, June 11 at 10am. 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 as usual at the top of the meeting agenda, which will be posted along with other information on past meetings on the Broadband Task Force webpage.

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

Line Extension Connection Program

The Minnesota Line Extension Connection Program aims to connect residents and businesses that lack access to wired broadband internet service with service providers and assist in the expense of extending broadband to those locations.

Owners of residential and business locations lacking a wired internet connection with access to actual speeds equal to or greater than 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, can submit their address location for bid consideration by entering their information into the Line Extension Connection portal to initiate their interest in receiving broadband internet service. More information on how to submit an application via portal, phone, or mail is available on the OBD Line Extension Connection webpage.

Digital Opportunity updates

On May 9, 2025, DEED received notification from the federal government that it was immediately terminating the state’s $12 million grant from the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. This funding was intended to reduce gaps in broadband access and expand digital skills and technology availability. All states received the same notification of cancellation.

MN’s Digital Opportunity Plan, a deliverable from this program, focuses on ensuring every Minnesotan has the tools and skills needed to harness the full power of broadband and reap the benefits of a digital economy. The U.S. Department of Commerce had approved MN’s Digital Opportunity Plan as part of the federal Digital Equity Act in 2024.

Due to this federal action, DEED will not be able to provide grants to local governments, organizations and small businesses to ensure these Minnesotans have the tools and skills to access and use the internet and digital technology. DEED is also forced to halt a planned statewide network of local experts to ensure Minnesotans everywhere have equitable access to get online.

Please contact deed.broadband.equity@state.mn.us with any questions about changes to this program. An FAQ is in development and will be shared on the OBD Digital Opportunity webpage.

 

Communities Wishing to Become Telecommuter Forward! Certified: Cities, townships and counties that receive the Telecommuter Forward! Certification have adopted a model resolution that includes a statement of support and commitment to promoting telecommuting. As part of the model resolution the community appoints one employee or department as the single point of contact for coordinating telecommuting opportunities with that community.

By committing to being Telecommuter Forward! these communities are improving the quality of life in Minnesota and encouraging economic vitality.

Communities can find a model resolution template and instructions on becoming certified on OBD’s Telecommuter Forward! webpage.

 

States, including Minnesota, talk about impact of BEAD uncertainty

Posted on by
Reply

Statescoop reports…

n the face of looming changes to the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, and headwinds created by uncertainty, several state broadband chiefs said their offices are cautiously moving ahead in their planning.

At the Fiber Broadband Association’s FiberConnect conference in Nashville this week, several state broadband chiefs shared both their frustration and trepidation regarding anticipated changes to the $42.45 billion program. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in March announced intentions to “revamp” the program, including “to cut government red tape that slows down infrastructure construction.” Lutnick also signaled his intention to remove the program’s “fiber first” stipulation, which would allow states to give more of their BEAD funding to alternative technology providers, such as satellite internet service providers — a move some states are also pushing for.

However, in some states, these yet-to-be-seen changes have had the opposite of Lutnick’s intended effect to speed things along. Some state broadband leaders said the uncertainty has forced them to slow down their BEAD projects. And, while the states were expecting these changes to be released by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration last month, the guidance may not even appear until July.

They feature comments from several state representatives, including Minnesota…

Bree Maki, executive director of the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development, said her state, too, pumped the brakes on BEAD. Her office wrapped its first round of the BEAD subgrantee selection process — which includes gathering proposals from internet service providers — last April, she said, but moving onto the second round has been slowed so as not to create duplicative work for vendor applicants.

“It’s more complicated than it appears on the paper,” Maki said. “But also, you know, elephant in the room, we all know that guidance is coming. So, one thing that we really considered in the state was not to move forward too fast and put our ISPs through another grant application that might have to be redone to the beginning.”

Office of Broadband Development Office Hours: Digital Opportunity Termination Update – BEAD keeps on

Posted on by
Reply

The Office of Broadband Development held their Office Hours as planned. When planned, this meeting was going to talk about the next round of BEAD funding (round 11b) but that is on hold given concerns with federal perspective. Instead, the meeting focused on trying to answer questions and sharing the limited news available.

Notes from the meeting:

Digital Opportunity Termination Update

  • Last Day was May 19, 2025
  • Was $12 million for digital inclusion training
  • MN did create a digital opportunity plan – although it will no longer be funded by the Feds
  • DEED will also terminate the planned network of local experts
  • An FAQ is coming

BEAD Updates

  • Still going through applications
  • It may be several weeks before Round 11B will be announced
  • OBD has been informed of upcoming changes. Feds are looking to streamline and make it more technical – but not certain what that will mean.

Questions

I am hearing wide swings in when folks will get more info – from early June to July – do you have any idea?
We are hearing inconsistencies too.
We have a later final approval date for end of program. We’re still focused on October 3. Other states have earlier final dates. But other states have longer construction seasons.

Can you share more on what you’re seeing with overlapping applications? And what the process will be?
We have multiple applications overlapping in different ways. We want to be good partners – unfortunately, we aren’t sure on what the changes will be so it’s hard to give advice. There has been more overlap than OBD has typically seen in part rounds.

Do you know the timeline?
No but we assume it will take a time. And we may even come back to applicants to ask if they want to make changes or save the proposal for round two (11b)). If you have ideas or concerns, please send them.
In fairness to all of you, there’s a balance we’re trying to meet. We know that you have been working hard as well. We don’t want to dissuade anyone to participate – but we don’t know the changes. And we don’t have a lot of flexibility; we are tied to Volume 2.

It makes sense to not ask providers to make changes without knowing what the Feds are going to make in changes. There were providers who already decided this program was not right for them.

When is the next Office Hour?
The previously scheduled hours have been cancelled. We will schedule more when we know more.

MN Office of Broadband Development Update: Termination of Federal Digital Equity Act

Posted on by
Reply

This was mentioned at the MN Task Force meeting yesterday, but an email just went out from the Office of Broadband Development…

Minnesota’s Office of Broadband Development has issued an urgent update on the status of Minnesota’s Digital Opportunity Plan.

Late last Friday, May 9, 2025, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) received notification from the federal government that it was immediately terminating the state’s $12 million grant from the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. This funding was intended to reduce gaps in broadband access and expand digital skills and technology availability. All states received the same notification of cancellation and are awaiting further guidance from the U.S. Department of Commerce regarding next steps.

Minnesota’s Digital Opportunity Plan, a deliverable from this program, focuses on ensuring every Minnesotan has the tools and skills needed to harness the full power of broadband and reap the benefits of a digital economy. The U.S. Department of Commerce had approved DEED’s Digital Opportunity Plan as part of the federal Digital Equity Act in 2024.

This sudden and unprecedented cancellation of awarded funding could hurt DEED’s work to expand broadband access and digital technology to Minnesotans who are most underserved: seniors, Greater Minnesota residents, veterans, low-income Minnesotans, people of color, people with disabilities, and more.

Due to this federal action, DEED will not be able to provide grants to local governments, organizations, and small businesses to ensure these Minnesotans have the tools and skills to access and use the internet and digital technology.  DEED is also forced to halt a planned statewide network of local experts to ensure Minnesotans everywhere have equitable access to get online.

Minnesota is a leader in delivering broadband, and we are committed to expanding service to underserved and unserved areas throughout the state. In light of this sudden cancellation, we are working with partners to determine how best to pursue the goals of our Digital Opportunity Plan.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to deed.broadband.equity@state.mn.us.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

MN Broadband Task Force May 2025 Meeting: Women and federal changes

Posted on by
Reply

The MN Broadband Task Force met today. They heard from the Hopkins Digital Access Initiative, an initiative to support seniors getting and using technology. They also heard from “women and broadband,” including information on Women in Technology.

News from the Office of Broadband Development. The Digital Opportunity funding has been terminated. That happened May 9 and OBD is still working on evaluating that situation. They are forging ahead with BEAD applications. They received 108 applications in round 11a; but only to cover  52 percent of BEAD eligible locations. There was overlap. They are holding off on opening BEAD Round 11b until more is known with federal expectations.

10:00 a.m. – 10:10 a.m.  Welcome

Teddy Bekele, Chair, Minnesota Governor’s Task Force on Broadband

10:10 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Approval of minutes from April Task Force Meeting

10:15a.m. – 10:45 a.m.  Hopkins Digital Access Initiative
A presentation on a collaborative community effort to develop a digital access plan in Hopkins. This multi-dimensional approach incorporates hyper-local research and deep engagement to inform a plan that will help ensure community members have the essential digital skills, tools, and support needed for everyday living in our digital world. This initiative offers a replicable and adaptable model for other communities.
Rebekah Crosby, Co-Founder, Connecting to Thrive
Carolyn Leslie, Co-Founder, Connecting to Thrive
Beth Kivett, Activity Center Program Coordinator, Hopkins Activity Center

Questions:

What are barriers for seniors?
Everything – device, access, skills. Patience.

How have local providers been engaged?
Stacy from Comcast was helpful.

Have you seen any wins?
Yes relationships are forming before our eyes. We work with libraries and community education.

Is this a good model for other communities?
Our hope is to create a replicable model.

What would you like us to tell legislators?
Digital navigators are important. Talk to the local communities.

10:45 a.m.—11:30 a.m. Women in Broadband Leadership Panel Perspectives from industry leaders on women’s role in broadband
Jill Huffman, Chief Executive Officer, Spring Grove Communications + MiBroadband
Kristi Westbrock, Chief Executive Officer/General Manager, Consolidated Telecommunications Company

Questions:

How do we encourage women to get into leadership roles?
We are starting a telecom 101 class series – starring women in the industry. They will be virtual.
Partner with tech colleges for talent scouting.
Go out and talk to women. Start them as interns and get them around the departments.

When is a good time in the career for folks to make decisions?
We often can see within 90 days if a job is right for them; they usually know within the year.

What can we do for you?
Continued advocacy. We need the DEI programs. Highlight the WIT program.

11:30 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.   Break

11:40 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.   Legislative Updates

  • No budget target.
  • Possibility of special session
  • General funding (and pipeline safety funding) was approved in committees.
  • Broadband installer law changes have been approved – because of efforts of all partners. DO deadlines are pushed back and hours of training have been reduced.
  • There were other items that were on the table but this is the one that came to fruition.

11:50 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.  Office of Broadband Development Overview + BEAD and Digital Opportunity Updates
Bree Maki, Executive Director, OBD

  • BEAD – still a lot of uncertainty. Lots of concern in the world – but no new guidance.
  • We thought changes would be made maybe this week – but so far nothing.
  • OBD – closed round 11a on April 21. 79,000 locations are BEAD eligible
  • Received 108 applications – but only for 52 percent of locations were covered. Lots of overlap. Again – this was or fiber only
  • Hoping interest in fiber continues
  • Some locations in rural MN are less dense – we are concerned about loss of very remote locations. OBD will make determination of projects areas for next round of applications.
  • We don’t know what changes might come. Forging ahead. But recognize that there’s a balance for moving forward and creating concern for applicants – we do not have an open date for round 11b yet.
  • We had been doing office hours. May 20 – we will give updates to the program – not jump into next round of funding.
  • DEA – we got a letter on Friday that terminated the digital equity funding – as of May 9, 2025.
  • Don’t know what’s next. It was a law that was passed. Looking at what national actions might happen to impact this decision.
  • We have agreements in place. We were expecting another $10 million. Trying to figure a way to do the work without funding. It’s complicated.
  • We worked hard to make sure that the plan was Minnesota-first – not NTIA. So at least there’s a plan. But no money.
  • 65 grants will be closing out in the next few months
  • Semi-annual progress reports will happen again this summer.
  • Working with Connect Nation doing map verification. Field validations have increased because round 7 is complete; expect more when round 8 is done in Dec 2025.
  • We are looking at Line Extension grants opening again soon. Money must be spent by end on 2026.
  • New staff person: Megan Messerole to work on environmental support.

Questions:
Is there anything we can do legislatively to bridge the gap?
No. Maybe task force could evaluate and recommend for next year. We have to look at the resources we have in place. Right now the funding was federal.

Are you working on a response? Or a date when you might announcements about the future.
OBD will not make legal decisions. That would be up to the State Attorneys.

Will FTTH application score better in round 11b or is it all equal?
We have points for fiber but low cost is weighted too.

12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.   Other Business, June’s Meeting Plans, Wrap-up