I feel like today’s news is really just an addendum to yesterday’s post (MTA & MREA submit a petition to the MN PUC to suspect LTD Broadband’s ETC designation while considering revocation). The follow up is that a prehearing conference has been set for April 24 and the Institute for Local Self Reliance has submitted a file a notice of appearance.
Category Archives: MN
MN Senate Omnibus bill passed through another committee with $100M for broadband
The Senate agriculture omnibus bill passed through another committee Wednesday with near unanimous bipartisan support.
The Senate Agriculture, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee gave the green light for $100 million to help farmers in greater Minnesota with broadband access, soil health and livestock. …
Some highlights include:
- $100 million to expand broadband access throughout the state.
- $14 million for a grain indemnity fund to protect Minnesota farmers.
- $2 million in soil health equipment grants to help farmers make their farmland more resilient to extreme weather events, retain topsoil, build organic matter, and promote water quality.
- $1 million to support emerging farmers with farm down payment assistance.
- $944,000 in investments to support livestock processing.
- $1.2 million over four years to provide services for beginning and emerging farmers.
The bill now moves to the Senate Finance Committee.
Do we need another push to get more voices on the MN digital equity plan team?
The MN Office of Broadband Development put out a call to get communities involved in preparing a digital equity plan that will lead the state into a place for more equitable technology practices and be submitted to federal funders to help maximize flow of federal funds into the state to support the plan…
If you are interested in helping to shape Minnesota’s digital equity plan, there are three ways you can assist. For now, you can establish a Digital Connection Committee and register it with OBD by March 15, 2023. Many of these committees will be eligible to apply for a mini-grant of up to $4000—those applications are due March 3. Then, beginning April 3, you can use data to tell OBD your community or organization’s digital equity story. You can also join a committee near you and ask how to become involved. Or, once drafted, you can provide feedback on the Digital Equity Plan (approximately late August through late September). Stay up to date on the planning process by visiting OBD’s website.
They recently gave an update on how that push went…
Throughout February and March, OBD received over 90 Digital Connection Committee (DCC) registrations and 70 Assessing Digital Inclusion mini-grant applications. We are thrilled!
DCCs are Minnesota’s strategy for ensuring our state’s digital equity plan truly belongs to Minnesota. Between now and June 30, DCCs can submit data, stories, and other information about local digital inclusion strengths, needs, and goals for inclusion in the plan.
To register a DCC or to see a map (updates coming soon) of committees statewide, visit OBD’s digital inclusion webpage. DCC registrations are accepted on a rolling basis; registrations received by April 7 will be able to participate fully in contributing information for the plan. Please contact Hannah Buckland at hannah.buckland@state.mn.us with any questions.
They got a great response but are they getting all the voices they need?
Thanks to Jason Brazier at Literacy Minnesota for sending me two maps looking at where the local Digital Connection Committees (DCCs) are located and a map that shows digital equity (or inequity) status in each county. (The darker the color the better off the county is with digital equity.)

Map of Digital Equity (left) | Locations of Digital Connection Committees (right)
As you can see, the areas with the greatest need are in counties that do not have local DCCs, which means those communities are likely to be underrepresented. There are 14 counties (listed below) and only three of them are home to a DCC. A glance at the map and scan through the directory list and it’s clear that areas near cities and larger towns (Twin Cities, Duluth, Rochester) or with local colleges (Crookston, Northfield, Mankato) have DCCs. There are DCCs that are defined by subject specialty and span a statewide geography, such as the MN Alliance Boys and Girls Club but that is different level of representation that having the local Boys and Girls Club in Cass County lead the effort.
We are missing voices!
It’s not too late to reach out to the areas and people who aren’t on the list, which is why I’ve listed the target counties below. If they can get registered in the next week, they can participate fully in contributing to the plan. So I’m reaching out to readers to reach out to colleagues, cousins and counterparts in these areas to see if there is a likely leader for this effort. Keep in mind, these are the least connected counties so picking up a phone might be more effective that Tweeting.
Finally, I’m just looking at geography and as a factor because my work focuses on geography. That’s my lens. If your daily lens is different, use it to look at existing DCCs, see who is missing and reach out to them. For example, I don’t see a group that is obviously focused on agriculture, folks with disabilities or people experiencing homelessness. You may see something else. If they aren’t in the room, the planners won’t know what they need.
- Aitkin County – 1 DCC
- Cass County
- Beltrami County
- Clearwater County
- Kanabec County
- Kittson County
- Lake of the Woods County
- Mahnomen County
- Mille Lacs County
- Morrison County
- Nobles County
- Otter Tail County – 1 DCC
- Pine County – 1 DCC
- Redwood County
MTA & MREA submit a petition to the MN PUC to suspect LTD Broadband’s ETC designation while considering revocation
When last we left our heroes at the PUC, they had decided to continue to move forward looking at revoking LTD Broadband’s ETC designation. Then the prehearing conference was moved from March 6 to March 13, 2023. But as of today there is more news; MTA and MREA are asking the PUC to suspend LTD Broadband’s ETC status while they are under consideration for ETC revocation. It seems to make sense, especially in terms of reducing the chances of replaying the RDOF situation where LTD got exclusive access to federal funds, was disqualified and now those fund will not be invested in Minnesota (at least not in the same way).
Today, the Minnesota Telecom Alliance and Minnesota Rural Electric Association submitted a petition to initiate a proceeding to revoke the expanded eligible telecommunications carrier (“ETC”) designation of LTD Broadband LLC (“LTD”) and deny LTD’s funding certification for 2023. Not all of the documents have been made public (due to trade secrets) but here’s the high level info…
Enclosed via e-Filing, please find the Motion to Certify and the Motion to Suspend ETC Designation (with attachments), including both Public and Highly Confidential Trade Secret versions of the Motion to Suspend and attachments (Declarations of Larry Thompson and Kristine Szabo) on behalf of Minnesota Telecom Alliance and Minnesota Rural Electric Association in the above-entitled docket. Minn. R. 1400.600 provides that, should other parties wish to contest a motion, they must file a written response with the judge and serve copies on all parties, within ten working days after the motion is received.
The Minnesota Telecom Alliance (“MTA”) and Minnesota Rural Electric Association (“MREA”) (“Petitioners”) hereby respectfully request that, pursuant to Minn. R. 1400.7600; the Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”):
(1) Certify to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (the “Commission”) both the Stay granted in the Third Prehearing Order dated January 18, 20231 (“Stay Order”) and the Petitioners’ March 29, 2023 Motion to Suspend the Expanded ETC Designation of LTD Broadband LLC (“LTD”) (“Motion to Suspend”), and
(2) Require parties to respond to this Motion to Certify within 10 working days after it is received if they wish to contest this Motion to Certify. 2
Both the Stay Order and Motion to Suspend relate to the effects and ramifications of the Federal Communication Commission’s (“FCC’s”) decision to deny LTD’s long-form application. As the Stay Order recognizes, and as explained below, it would be appropriate for the Commission to address these matters and provide guidance.3
There are more details. And there are public documents available Part 1 Motion to Suspend and Attachments – Public.pdf and Part 2 Motion to Suspend and Attachments – Public.pdf; as well as documents that aren’t available to the public.
As with so many legal documents and arguments, lots of time is spent addressing the formalities that aren’t as important to the average reader, but here’s a section that I think gets to the root of the need…
A final determination by the Commission on the Motion to Suspend would materially advance the ultimate termination of the hearing.
Minnesota Rule 1400.7600(B) directs consideration of:
[W]hether a final determination by the agency on the motion would materially advance the ultimate termination of the hearing….
The Stay Order provides that the contested case hearing process will not resume until the FCC makes a ruling on LTD’s appeal of the denial of its long-form.5 As explained in the Motion to Suspend, deferring action on LTD’s ETC designation until the FCC makes that ruling would expose the over 160,000 Minnesotans in LTD’s Expanded ETC Area to the loss of substantial federal BEAD and Minnesota BTB funding if the FCC Bureau’s decision is reversed, as LTD has
requested. As also explained in the Motion to Suspend, the Commission would not have the time or ability to prevent such a reversal from leading to ineligibility for these funds.
The Stay Order assumed that the Commission could act to correct problems regarding the use of RDOF support after the FCC rules, stating:
In addition, there will be a window, at least six weeks, for the parties in this proceeding to reconvene to decide next steps if the FCC does reverse course.6
Unfortunately, the ineligibility trigger for the BEAD and the Minnesota BTB programs is FCC authorization for RDOF support. There is no provision in the BEAD processes for subsequent corrective action by the Commission if the FCC authorizes RDOF support. This combination leaves Minnesotans in the unserved locations encompassed by LTD’s expanded ETC designation at great risk of the Commission being unable to meet its obligations to protect their interests if the FCC reverses the FCC Bureau decision. Moreover, the mere possibility of reversal will likely discourage potential applicants from seeking BEAD or BTB funding for locations in Expanded
ETC Area.
Rep Pursell notes drop from $276M for broadband to $100M in MN House
The House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee, of which Pursell is Vice Chair, has been given $48 million to work with. She noted that there will be $100 million for the expansion of broadband internet into rural areas that will be part of the Ag budget eventually, but right now it has its own budget line item.
As the chief author of the broadband bill, Pursell expressed some disappointment with the amount that has been allocated, but said it is important to make some sort of investment immediately to get things moving.
“My original bill was for $276 million dollars over two years. The targets came out to less than half of that amount, but it will still be the largest investment Minnesota will have ever made. We’ve been promised funds from the federal government, but because it’s unclear how long it might take to get those funds here, we’re taking action in our state now. We cannot afford to miss another construction season and so we’ll be getting Minnesotans who deserve to be connected to the internet [set up] this year with these funds.”
The omnibus bills will be heard in committees this week and then make their way to the House Floor.
Bree Maki explains MN weather impact on broadband deployment and how MN still moves forward
Fierce Telecom spoke with Bree Maki, director of Minnesota Office of Broadband and learned a lot about the challenges of building broadband in Minnesota – a four season state…
Bree Maki, director of Minnesota’s Office of Broadband Development, shared with Fierce some key deployment challenges, including weather and workforce constraints. Weather is particularly a hurdle for building fiber in the ground, as Minnesota has a limited construction season, similar to states like Alaska.
“We have long winters, and we have to wait for the ground to defrost before we can do the construction season,” Maki said, noting there’s not much time between the start of construction and “when snow really starts flying in the fall and the temperatures drop.”
There’s a summary of funding in Minnesota…
Minnesota’s main state funding resource is the Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program, established in 2014. Thus far, the program has doled out $230 million to connect over 90,000 Minnesotans, said Maki.
For the 2023 grant round, the state plans to dish out up to $67 million later this spring. The state legislature has proposed $276 million in additional funding for the Border-to-Border program.
In terms of federal dollars, Minnesota is leveraging $30 million from the Capital Projects Fund (CPF) to support its Low-Density Pilot program, which Maki said is similar to the Border-to-Border program “but it allows for some additional cost share percentages, because we know that there is a higher cost at hardest-to-reach areas in the state.”
Another $15 million in CPF funding went towards the state’s Line Extension program.
MN Legislators currently looking at $100M for broadband grants – we need $2.76B
MinnPost reports on the progress of broadband grant investments (Border to Border grants) at the Minnesota Legislature…
Minnesota lawmakers are planning to spend $100 million to help subsidize infrastructure for high-speed internet, an amount that would be the largest ever one-time state boost in broadband funding but has still drawn a mixed response from developers and local officials who say rural areas are being left behind.
Top DFL leaders announced the $100 million plan on Tuesday at the Capitol as part of an agreement on budget “targets” that will guide spending by legislative committees. Democrats have majorities in the House and Senate and control the governor’s office.
Will it be enough?
Minnesota is waiting for a much larger influx of federal cash to help connect many parts of the state to high speed internet. But even though nearly $1 billion is on its way, a state task force has estimated Minnesota still needs about $426 million to reach its broadband goals.
How close are we?
Minnesota’s current goal for high-speed internet is universal access to wireline service with download speeds of at least 100 Megabits per second and upload speeds of 20 Megabits per second by 2026.
About 88% of households and businesses in the state had access to that level of broadband in October, according to estimates released in a report by the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband. In rural areas, about only 62% have what the state deems to be adequate broadband, an issue that became even more of a problem during the COVID-19 pandemic when many more people were forced to work at home and kids attended school online.
The gap in broadband coverage is because of money.
How much do we need?
State officials estimate it would cost $2.76 billion to serve the 291,000 households and businesses that lack the infrastructure for fast service. It’s an eye-popping price tag, but most of the money would not come from the Minnesota Legislature.
State grants typically require a 50% match from broadband developers or others involved in the project, like city and county governments, meaning the state government is only responsible for half the cost.
EVENT Mar 29: MN Senate to debate Omnibus that includes broadband funding
At this time of year, meetings are always subject to change but here’s what I have seen:
- SF1955 – Omnibus agriculture and broadband appropriations – was heard yesterday and will be debated Wednesday at 3pm
The meeting in hybrid, so you can join online or in person. Yesterday at the MN Broadband Task Force, we heard about the need to get state funding because the big federal funding (BEAD) is not going to cover the costs of getting sufficient broadband to everyone AND because that funding will not be released for several years, which means Minnesota will miss some construction seasons if we don’t get state funding.
MN Senate looks at $100 million for broadband grants (biennium)
Today the MN Senate Committee on Agriculture, Broadband and Rural Development heard the Omnibus bill. There was $100 million for broadband grants; $60 million in the Border to Border grants and $40 million in Low Density Program grants. (The low density grants requires less match from the applicant.)
Here’s the page from the Omnibus spreadsheet:
MN Broadband Task Force final meeting: Legislative update, details on federal funds, hopes for future
Today was the final meeting of this iteration of the MN Broadband Task Force. There was a lot of gratitude for everyone involved and a hope that efforts to get broadband broadband to everyone continues. There is a concern that policymaker and community leaders think that the federal funding will provide a fix to everyone. But it’s not enough money and that money is still years away.
Full notes: Continue reading
MN Office of Broadband News Update: hiring, legislation and funding
Sharing an email update from Office of Broadband…
Office of Broadband Development News
The following updates are available from the Office of Broadband Development:
- Applications Now Being Accepted to Serve on Governor’s Task Force on Broadband
- OBD is hiring!
- Reminder: Challenges to the Border-to-Border Grant Applications are Due April 5th
- NEW: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Utility License Application Workshop
- Line Extension Connection Program
- Digital Equity Act Update
Applications Now Being Accepted to Serve on Governor’s Task Force on Broadband
Are you interested in serving with a group to influence broadband policy in Minnesota? Do you have time to volunteer to serve on a Task Force that will make recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature on digital inclusion and broadband availability across the state? Do you know someone who may be a strong advocate and representative on this topic? The Walz/Flanagan Administration will be making appointments to the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband soon!
The Governor’s Task Force on Broadband was created under Executive Order 19-10 and is a multi-stakeholder body created to advise the executive and legislative branches on broadband policy, including strategies for successfully achieving the state broadband goals, comprehensive assessment of digital inclusion issues and gaps, and strategies for unlocking the benefits of universal access to broadband for all communities in Minnesota. The Task Force consists of fifteen members who are appointed by the Governor and have experience or interest in broadband matters. The members must represent a balance of broadband interests, including: residential and business consumers, local governments, libraries, K-12 and higher education institutions, tribal interests, healthcare, broadband providers, economic development, agriculture, rural development, workforce development, and labor interests. The Task Force meets monthly and submits an annual report no later than December 31 each year. This appointment is through the rest of the current Governor’s Term. To apply, see the instructions below.
To learn more or read the current Task Force’s report, please visit Broadband Task Force / Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (mn.gov).
For questions, contact the Office of Broadband Development at the MN Dept. of Employment and Economic Development at deed.broadband@state.mn.us or by calling 651-259-7610.
Applications should be submitted no later than Monday, April 3, 2023 to receive full consideration.
HOW TO APPLY
Visit the Open Positions page.
Scroll down to find the correct Agency/Board/Council.
Choose the correct seat type, and click button that says APPLY
The system will walk you through creating an application profile.
Page 2 of the application will now allow you to attach the following documents:
- Letter of Interest
- Resume or Biography
OBD is Hiring! Applications due by April 7, 2023
The Office of Broadband Development at DEED is hiring a Community Development and Special Project Coordinator. Along with access to reliable high speed broadband infrastructure, OBD seeks to ensure every Minnesotan can afford broadband service and has a device and the digital skills needed to use the internet and engage in online digital work, education, and health monitoring. The Community Engagement and Special Project Coordinator will report directly to the Executive Director and support Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and the Digital Equity Program planning statewide. The purpose of this position is to manage the database management, data entry, file preparation and drafting of documents for the two plans. This position will also provide coordination to the Office of Broadband in community engagement, participate in community events and educational presentations, promotion, and coordination of events with members of the OBD team.
Here is the link to the posting. Please share with anyone you think would be a good candidate: Planner Senior State – Community Engagement and Special Project Coordinator – Job ID 64231, or Apply Here.
Reminder: Challenges to the Border-to-Border Grant Applications are Due April 5th
Challenges to the Border-to-Border Grant applications submitted by March 2, 2023 are due no later than 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. There is a Form to use to submit a challenge: 2023 Challenge Form When completed, email the Challenge Form to deed.broadband@state.mn.us
NEW: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Utility License Application Workshop
For those who apply for DNR utility licenses to cross state lands or public waters: you’re invited to attend the Utility License Application Workshop presented by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Lands and Minerals Division.
The DNR is holding two online Utility License Application Workshops. Please register and attend whichever session is most convenient for you.
Event description:
Webex will provide an online platform for the presentation. This course is optional and free, but registration is required. The workshop offers an opportunity to expand your knowledge on the state’s utility license application process and learn how to submit a complete application to obtain a license from the DNR for the passage of any utility crossing over, under, or across any state land or public water.
Event details: Option #1: Wednesday, April 5, 1– 3:00 p.m. Register
Option #2: Wednesday, April 12, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Register
Once you complete the short registration form, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the link to join the webinar. Please mark those in your inbox for quick event access.
The DNR Lands and Minerals Division is responsible for granting permission to companies that propose to cross state land or public waters with utility infrastructure projects. Please visit the Utility Crossing License webpage for more information.
Line Extension Connection Program
Just a reminder that the portal for the Line Extension Connection program is available for those in homes and businesses without a wired broadband service of at least 25Mbps download and 3Mbps upload at their location. Eligible addresses will be provided to broadband providers to see if any want to bid through a reverse auction process to serve any of those addresses. Bids selected will qualify for a state grant to help offset construction costs. More information, and the portal to register your address, are available here: https://mn.gov/deed/programs-services/broadband/extension/
Digital Equity Act Update
Throughout February and March, OBD received over 90 Digital Connection Committee (DCC) registrations and 70 Assessing Digital Inclusion mini-grant applications. We are thrilled!
DCCs are Minnesota’s strategy for ensuring our state’s digital equity plan truly belongs to Minnesota. Between now and June 30, DCCs can submit data, stories, and other information about local digital inclusion strengths, needs, and goals for inclusion in the plan.
To register a DCC or to see a map (updates coming soon) of committees statewide, visit OBD’s digital inclusion webpage. DCC registrations are accepted on a rolling basis; registrations received by April 7 will be able to participate fully in contributing information for the plan. Please contact Hannah Buckland at hannah.buckland@state.mn.us with any questions.
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe awarded $11 million from NTIA for broadband
NTIA reports…
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today it has awarded two grants totaling more than $25.7 million to two Tribal nations – The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe in Minnesota and the Pueblo of Acoma in New Mexico– as part of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP).
With funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these new grants bring the total of the program to over $1.75 billion awarded to 135 Tribal entities.
More info on the funding for the Mille Lacs Band…
Project Type: Broadband Infrastructure Deployment
Fund Amount: $11,407,585.00
This Broadband Infrastructure Deployment project proposes to install fiber to directly connect 356 unserved Native American households, 7 unserved Native American businesses, and 10 unserved community anchor institutions with service ranging from 250/250 Mbps to 1000/1000 Mbps.
EVENT March 27: MN Broadband Task Force final meeting
The last meeting of this iteration of the MN Broadband Task Force happens tomorrow…
Governor’s Task Force on Broadband
Monday, March 27, 2023
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Comcast
10 River Park Plaza
St. Paul, MN 55107
use main entrance, plenty of free parking
or Virtually via Teams
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 231 380 665 63
Passcode: 2erfjXDownload Teams | Join on the web
Join with a video conferencing device
Video Conference ID: 118 219 688 6
Or call in (audio only)
+1 651-395-7448,,493399601# United States, St. Paul
Phone Conference ID: 493 399 601#
Find a local number | Reset PIN
10:00 a.m. – 10:05 a.m. Welcome, Task Force Introductions, and Approval of Minutes from February 22 meeting – Teddy Bekele, Chair, Minnesota Governor’s Task Force on Broadband
10:05 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Welcome from Comcast – Kalyn Hove, Regional Senior Vice President, Midwest Region
10:15 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. Legislative Update – Deven Bowdry, Government Relations Coordinator for DEED
10:20 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. Office of Broadband Development Update – Bree Maki, Executive Director
10:40 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. NTIA update – Tom Karst, Federal Program Officer, Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth
11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Break
11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. National Skills Coalition Digital Equity Presentation – Amanda Bergson-Shilcock, Senior Fellow, National Skills Coalition
11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. “Around the Table -Thoughts of Wisdom” from the outgoing Task Force members
12:15 p.m. – 12:20 p.m. Public Comment, Other Business, Wrap-up
12:20 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch
OPPORTUNITY: Planner Senior State – Community Engagement and Special Project Coordinator
The Office of Broadband Development is hiring…
Working Title: Community Engagement and Special Project Coordinator
Job Class: Planner Senior State
Agency: Employment and Economic Development Department
• Job ID: 64231
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will
be considered through 03/31/2023.
• Date Posted: 03/25/2023
• Closing Date: 04/07/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Employ & Econ Development Dept / Employ & Economic Dev-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Business & Community Dev / 0359 Broadband Development
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday – Friday
• Travel Required: Yes – 20% regional travel and occasional overnight travel
• Salary Range: $25.25 – $37.02 / hourly; $52,722 – $77,297 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt – Professional
• Telework Eligible: Yes – This position may be eligible to telework up to four (4) days per week
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.
The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a
better Minnesota.
Job Summary
Along with access to reliable high speed broadband infrastructure, OBD seeks to ensure every Minnesotan can afford
broadband service and has a device and the digital skills needed to use the internet and engage in online digital
work, education, and health monitoring. The Community Engagement and Special Project Coordinator will report
directly to the Executive Director and support Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and the
Digital Equity Program planning statewide. The purpose of this position is to manage the database management,
data entry, file preparation and drafting of documents for the two plans. This position will also provide coordination to
the Office of Broadband in community engagement, participate in community events and educational presentations,
promotion, and coordination of events with members of the OBD team.
Programs administered include the following:
1. Coordinating the planning of the Digital Equity and Broadband Equity, Access and Development Programs
2. Supporting and maximizing Minnesota entities participation in state and federally-funded broadband
infrastructure and digital equity programs
3. Digital skills, broadband adoption and use programs
4. Community engagement and involvement in the planning process
5. Promotion and education
This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.
OPPORTUNITY: Governor’s Task Force on Broadband seeking member applications
I’ve posted about this before – but the deadline (April 3) is coming up and it seems like there’s a push to get the word out, which means they are waiting to hear from you!
Are you interested in serving with a group to influence broadband policy in Minnesota? Do you have time to volunteer to serve on a Task Force that will make recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature on digital inclusion and broadband availability across the state? Do you know someone who may be a strong advocate and representative on this topic? The Walz/Flanagan Administration will be making appointments to the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband soon!
The Governor’s Task Force on Broadband was created under Executive Order 19-10 and is a multi-stakeholder body created to advise the executive and legislative branches on broadband policy, including strategies for successfully achieving the state broadband goals, comprehensive assessment of digital inclusion issues and gaps, and strategies for unlocking the benefits of universal access to broadband for all communities in Minnesota. And, the Task Force consists of fifteen members who are appointed by the Governor and have experience or interest in broadband matters. The members must represent a balance of broadband interests, including: residential and business consumers, local governments, libraries, K-12 and higher education institutions, tribal interests, healthcare, broadband providers, economic development, agriculture, rural development, workforce development, and labor interests. The Task Force meets monthly and submits an annual report no later than December 31 each year. This appointment is through the rest of the current Governor’s Term. To apply, see the instructions below.
To learn more or read the current Task Force’s report, please visit Broadband Task Force / Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (mn.gov).
For questions, contact the Office of Broadband Development at the MN Dept. of Employment and Economic Development at deed.broadband@state.mn.us or by calling 651-259-7610.
Applications should be submitted no later than Monday, April 3, 2023 to receive full consideration.
CURRENT VACANCIES
Governor’s Task Force On Broadband
Vacancies: 15 Seats — Member
HOW TO APPLY
Visit the Open Positions page.
Scroll down to find the correct Agency/Board/Council.
Choose the correct seat type, and click button that says APPLY
The system will walk you through creating an application profile.Page 2 of the application will now allow you to attach the following documents:
• Letter of Interest
• Resume or BiographyApplicants are encouraged to use the online application as the Appointing Authority will have access to your information as soon as it is submitted.
Applications submitted via downloadable application may experience some delay in reaching the Appointing Authority.
Paper applications may be submitted by email to: Official.Documents@state.mn.usor by mail or in person to:
Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State
180 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
St Paul, MN 55155-1299In accordance with the Minnesota Open Appointments Law, the Secretary of State acts as an administrator in publishing vacancies, receiving applications and recording appointments. Applications will be reviewed and appointments made by the appointing authorities; questions about specific vacancies and appointments should be directed to the appointing authority. Applications are kept on file for a one-year period.