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
From the Office of Broadband Development…
Agenda: Broadband Task Force, February Meeting
Date: 2/18/2026
- 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.
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:
- OBD’s Executive Director Bree Maki was part of a panel and follow-up story in Broadband Breakfast’s, State Broadband Officers Still Face Delays in BEAD Approval, Implementation
- Pew analysis, What’s Next for Broadband Expansion?
- Telecompetitor interview, with Shirley Bloomfield on AI and rural broadband
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:
- Addition of an NTIA BABA Compliance Guide
- Updated NTIA Letter of Credit Waiver, see Section 2.2b for changes that apply to the performance bond only
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.
The Office of Broadband Development and MN Broadband Task Force unveiled the 2025 MN Broadband Task Force Annual Report at the Task Force meeting today. It includes a concise description of progress toward the statutory speed goals…
Minnesota has made measurable strides: as of 2025, 93.84% of homes and businesses have access to broadband at 25/3 Mbps, and 92.11% can reach speeds of 100/20 Mbps. Yet, more than 121,000 households remain without basic service, and nearly 155,000 are underserved at higher speeds.
The report also outlines recommendations to policymakers…
Key Recommendations for Governor and Legislature
Affordability, Economic Opportunity, and Workforce Development
• Modernize Federal Affordability Programs – Advocate for federal reforms to the Lifeline program, increasing the monthly subsidy to match the former ACP levels ($30 for most households, $75 for Tribal lands). This would make broadband service genuinely affordable for low-income Minnesotans and help prevent service cancellations due to cost.
• Workforce Development and Local Hiring – Develop and fund Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and registered apprenticeships with Minnesota schools and colleges to address labor shortages and build local capacity for broadband deployment. Encourage grant recipients to implement workforce best practices (outlined in Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116J.395) and prioritize local hiring provisions, ensuring jobs created are family-supporting with fair wages and benefits.• Support for Anchor Institutions – Prioritize funding for anchor institutions (libraries, schools, community centers) to provide digital literacy training, including resources for software, hardware, staff (such as digital navigators), outreach, and business alignment with these initiatives.
• Statewide Digital Inclusion Initiative – Launch a coordinated, multi-faceted initiative to systematically eliminate barriers to digital literacy and adoption. This includes expanding affordable broadband access, providing devices, and funding community-based programs that address non-technical challenges, such as transportation, childcare, language barriers, and trust-building with service providers. The initiative should prioritize digital skills training for all residents, regardless of foundational literacy level.
Mapping, Policy, and Funding
• Advance Inclusive Broadband Deployment – Align deployment strategies with community needs, prioritizing underserved and unserved populations. Strengthen state-supported coordination of community and nonprofit efforts and explore cost-reduction policies to lower barriers in high-cost, low-density areas.
• Expand and Sustain Broadband Mapping – Continue and expand mapping efforts to provide accurate, transparent data that informs policy decisions, identifies service gaps, and supports targeted infrastructure development. As BEAD and other grant programs are completed, ensure mapping efforts evaluate actual locations served, speeds delivered, and infrastructure capabilities.
• Prioritize Funding for Line Extension Connection Program – Provide continued and increased funding for the Line Extension Connection Program, which has proven to be a cost-effective and targeted solution for last-mile deployment. This program empowers consumers, meets demand, and ensures no household or business is left behind as BEAD funding rolls out.
Below is the agenda for the MN Broadband Task Force. I will attend (remotely) and plan to livestream it…
Agenda: Broadband Task Force, January Monthly Meeting
Date: 01/22/2026
Virtual Meeting
- Meeting ID and Pass Code: 295 528 665 057 20 and cB73Es65
- Dial in by phone: +1 651-395-7448,,329040994#. Phone conference ID: 329 040 994#
- Join on a video conferencing device: Tenant key: mn@m.webex.com. Video ID: 112 547 437 0
Meeting Agenda
10:00 a.m. – 10:05 a.m. – Welcome from Teddy Bekele, Chair, Minnesota Governor’s Task Force on Broadband and approval of minutes from December Task Force meeting.
10:05 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. – Senate Committee Chair legislative discussion and broadband check-in with Senator Putnam (Chair Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development).
10:20 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Overview of 2025 Broadband Task Force Annual Report and recommendations.
10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Legislative preview for 2026 with Deven Bowdry, Government Relations Director, DEED
11:00 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. – Office of Broadband Development (OBD) overview and updates from Bree Maki (Executive Director, OBD).
11:20 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Break.
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – Minnesota broadband environmental permitting overview with Bree Maki (Executive Director, OBD) and Megan Messerole (Broadband Environmental and Land Use Coordinator, OBD)
12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Open the floor to other business, February meeting plans, and meeting wrap-up.
From the Office of Broadband Development…
Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates
- Line Extension Connection Program
- Broadband Task Force, January meeting plans
- NTIA Approves Minnesota’s BEAD Plan; Initial $378.9M in subgrants to connect 74,739 locations statewide
- OBD BEAD resources
- Broadband in the news
Line Extension Connection Program
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 does expect to run a fifth round of Line Extension with state project funds in late winter/early spring 2026.
Questions on Line Extension can be sent to deed.broadband@state.mn.us or (651)-259-7610.
Broadband Task Force, January meeting plans
The Broadband Task Force will have its first meeting of 2026 on Thursday January 22, at 10am. This meeting will be held virtually and is open to anyone from the public to attend, the link to join will be added to the agenda which is posted on the Broadband Task Force webpage.
During 2026, the Broadband Task Force will plan to meet on:
- Wednesday, February 18
- Wednesday, April 29
- Thursday, May 21
- Thursday, June 18
- Thursday, August 13
- Wednesday, September 16
- Thursday, October 8
- Thursday, November 12
- Thursday, December 10
This schedule, along with other information on past and future meetings, will be posted on the Broadband Task Force webpage.
NTIA Approves Minnesota’s BEAD Plan; Initial $378.9M in subgrants to connect 74,739 locations statewide
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 to connect 74,739 locations. This extraordinary opportunity underscores the dedication and coordination of our team and partners statewide.
The Office of Broadband Development (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 BEAD resources
OBD continues to add resources and update information on the OBD BEAD webpage as it becomes available. These and additional updates include:
- Updated NTIA BEAD FAQs (1/6/2026).
- Environmental and permitting resources, including: Environmental Historic Preservation (EHP) Requirements (PDF); NEW Sample Project Descriptions and Maps for BEAD EHP Review; NTIA Permitting Needs Checklist (PDF); and NTIA Local Permitting Importance and Challenges and Strategies (PDF).
- Minnesota’s Broadband Update webinar recording and slides from December 17, 2025 discussing BEAD, Line Extension, and expectations for broadband in Minnesota in 2026.
The status of BEAD nationally can be followed on NTIA’s BEAD Progress Dashboard.
Broadband in the news
- A press release reports Rural St Louis County is getting better broadband through BEAD and Mediacom and quotes OBD’s Executive Director Bree Maki, “For more than a decade, the residents and leaders of North Star and Pequaywan Townships have done everything right—planning, organizing, and advocating for better connectivity—and this investment finally delivers on that work…BEAD funding is designed to reach exactly these kinds of rural communities that the market alone has not served, and this project will help to ensure families, businesses, and first responders in St. Louis County have access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet that meets today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities.”
- An OBD Low-Density Population Grant will go towards areas of Balkan Township in St. Louis County through Paul Bunyan Communications GigaZone fiber expansion.
Today was likely the last meeting for the MN Broadband Task Force in 2025, especially since the Task Force members in attendance all approved the draft annual report with few medications. I’ll share the video and the screenshots I was able to take of the report as it flew by the zoom window. I tried to capture the recommendations in my notes. It sounds as if much of the background, glossary and other pieces are similar from last year.
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 November Task Force Meeting
10:15 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. 2026 Meeting Schedule + Virtual meeting January 22, 2026
Recognized that while they are supposed to meet 12 times a year, they only met 10 times in 2025. Proposed dates for 2026:
10:25 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Office of Broadband Development Overview Bree Maki, Executive Director, OBD
Questions/Comments:
10:45a.m. – End Broadband Task Force Annual Report – Time to review and refine Broadband Task Force’s Annual Report
Comments:
Goals Econ Issues/Digital Skills
Recommendations from Affordability, Economic Opportunity and Workforce Development Recommendations
Recommendations from Mapping, Policy and Funding
Appendix and Glossary remain mostly the same.
From the Office of Broadband Development…
From the Office of Broadband Development:
Thank you for your continued engagement through 2025!
OBD’s work connecting all Minnesotans to fast, reliable, broadband is made possible by our ongoing collaboration with partners statewide.Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates
- Minnesota Broadband, a year in review
- Broadband Task Force 2026 meeting schedule
- BEAD updates + resources
- Line Extension Connection Program update
Minnesota Broadband, a year in review
The OBD has had a busy year managing grants from Border-to-Border (B2B) and Low Density Population, Line Extension Connection Program, and continuing the state’s mapping program.
Highlights at the beginning of December 2025 include:
- Managed a total of 189 grants from B2B Rounds 7-10 (including Low Density) and Line Extension Rounds 1-3, and there are 78 active projects.
- The OBD Grants team have closed a total of 72 projects this year, with 41 of those closed in the past 6 months and 39 projects currently pending closed.
- Line Extension Round 2 saw all 13 projects built as of 6/30/2025 and for Round 3, all 16 projects will be built by 12/31/2025.
- Between June—November, OBD Grant Staff completed over 50 site visits statewide across broadband projects and programs.
- Connected Nation, Minnesota’s mapping vendor, completed field validation for over 70 State and Capital Projects Fund grant projects in 2025, and in the process verified construction completeness at more than 35,000 locations.
- Fielded 180+ inquires on Line Extension over phone and email, resulting in nearly 60 registrations for the program, and over 35 registrations from applications submitted by mail.
Broadband Task Force 2026 meeting schedule
The Broadband Task Force will have a final scheduled meeting of 2025 on Thursday December 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 is available on the meeting agenda.
During 2026, the Broadband Task Force will plan to meet:
- Thursday, January 22
- Wednesday, February 18
- Wednesday, April 29
- Thursday, May 21
- Thursday, June 18
- Thursday, August 13
- Wednesday, September 16
- Thursday, October 8
- Thursday, November 12
- Thursday, December 10
This schedule, along with other information on past and future meetings, will be posted on the Broadband Task Force webpage.
BEAD updates + resources
OBD continues with rounds of curing with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on the submitted draft of the BEAD Final Proposal. Minnesota expects approval on the Final Proposal by the end of the year, and status of BEAD nationally can be followed on NTIA’s BEAD Progress Dashboard.
Additional updates resources on BEAD include:
- An updated OBD BEAD webpage! Additional sections and resources have been added, including Environmental Permitting and National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) resources, Build America Buy America (BABA) compliance reporting resources, and other Federal Guidance & Compliance. A recording from OBD’s webinar, Minnesota Broadband Update, on 12/17 is also available.
- NTIA resource, Technical Assistance Hub: Designed as a one-stop shop for resources and tools in support of NTIA’s grant programs, including BEAD.
- Upcoming NTIA Webinar: Integrating LEO Satellite Broadband into BEAD-Era Broadband Plans, Thursday December 18 at 2 p.m., CST. Registration link available here.
- BEAD in the news: Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar Op-Ed for the New York Times on state Artificial Intelligence (AI) laws and Senator Klobuchar joined letter to preserve states’ ability to use broadband infrastructure funds as congress intended.
Line Extension Connection Program update
The Round 4 Line Extension bidding window closed on November 25, 2025.
OBD is evaluating the bids submitted during Round 4 and expects to announce award decisions before year end. Updates will be posted to the OBD Line Extension Connection Program webpage.
While the window for residential and business sign-ups to be included in the bidding for Round 4 of the Line Extension Connection Program closed, registration will remain open for future rounds if and as funding is available on the Line Extension Connection Program webpage. OBD expects to run a fifth round of Line Extension with state project funds.
Questions on Line Extension can be sent to deed.broadband@state.mn.us or (651)-259-7610.
This is OBD’s last newsletter for the 2025 year, see you in 2026!
From the Office of Broadband Development…
The Broadband Task Force will be meeting on Thursday December 18 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 at the top of the meeting agenda, which will be posted along with other information on past meetings on the Broadband Task Force webpage.
The MN Broadband Task Force learned about computer ownership today. The Office of Broadband Development gave an update on BEAD and other work. They are planning to do a broadband conference on April 29, 2026, at the Heritage Center. Morning sessions will be general, and the afternoon might include be tracks such as compliance.
The sub groups met for the second half of the meeting. I was able to meet with the Mapping, Policy, and Funding group. There are a few recommendations, including prioritizing funds for Line Extension.
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 October Task Force Meeting
approved
10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Digitunity Presentation
Present on work increasing computer ownership and methodology for a sustainable computer ownership ecosystem and its components of supply, preparation and deployment.
Scot Henley, Executive Director, Digitunity and Karisa Tashijan, Senior Director of Programs & Strategic Partnerships, Digitunity
Questions:
What can’t people do without a large screen?
Writing essays for your GED is very large. Telehealth can be OK but quality of care without large screen isn’t as effective. Writing resumes is harder. Anyone needing assistive technology is better off with a large screen.
Fragmented knowledge happens – folks can comment on Facebook but not read a spreadsheet.
Working remotely is hard without a large screen.
What about tablet vs large screen?
People need the tool they need. Chromebooks are OK with students. Tablets can be better with older folks.
That choice is not there right now.
Do you see use of single use computers like Raspberry Pi?
It’s not for wide use – but great for STEM training.
There are a lot of Chromebooks who have been able to turn an old Chromebook into a more useful device.
Affordability is a big deal. Maybe Raspberry Pi could be good if low cost.
Also we need computers that are more durable and more repairable.
About the MN stats – are there are more states like MN and economic info on why this makes sense?
Yes – we have maps on our website. The latest census report could be helpful. Are you asking – What about MN causes a higher level of computer ownership?
We are looking for stats for our annual report.
11:00 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. Office of Broadband Development Overview
Bree Maki, Executive Director, OBD
How many households will get broadband from BEAD once funded?
By rule we need to serve 76,000. That is in conflict with things like state goals.
So we should mention that in the report – right?
11:20 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Other Business, December’s Meeting Plans, Wrap-up
May I give a presentation about my Digital Navigation training with Hennepin County Libraries?
Yes.
December meeting will be all together – hoping that the draft report is ready. No speakers are planned. We have heard that people like to do the report work during the meetings. We may need another meeting if the work isn’t done.
Subgroups will be working on statements of purpose and recommendations.
The background pieces will be created by the Office of Broadband Development.
11:30 a.m.—11:40 a.m. Break
11:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Subgroup Work Sessions
Use Teams breakout rooms for subgroups to have time to work on their statement of purpose and recommendations for the annual report.
I’m joined the Mapping, Policy, and Funding group.
Do we need to meet one more time after OBD reviews our draft?
Maybe. Or we can use the December meeting.
Do we have content for all of the pieces we need?
We could beef up info on what the state is doing for mapping for that it continues to be a funding priority.
yes. Not to get into the weeds but
Can I get more info for the task force wide email?
Yes
Happening very soon – and I’ll be livestreaming it.
Governor’s Task Force on Broadband
Thursday November 13, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 261 107 031 605
Passcode: pU7om7aJ
Dial in by phone
+1 651-395-7448,,779150780# United States, Minneapolis
Phone conference ID: 779 150 780#
Join on a video conferencing device
Tenant key: mn@m.webex.com
Video ID: 118 506 075 4
For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN
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 October Task Force Meeting
10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Digitunity Presentation
Present on work increasing computer ownership and methodology for a sustainable computer ownership ecosystem and its components of supply, preparation and deployment.Scot Henley, Executive Director, Digitunity
Karisa Tashijan, Senior Director of Programs & Strategic Partnerships, Digitunity
11:00 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. Office of Broadband Development Overview
Bree Maki, Executive Director, OBD
11:20 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Other Business, December’s Meeting Plans, Wrap-up
11:30 a.m.—11:40 a.m. Break
11:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Subgroup Work Sessions
Use Teams breakout rooms for subgroups to have time to work on their statement of purpose and recommendations for the annual report.
The MN Broadband Task Force met at TelCom Construction Training Center in Clearwater Minnesota. We heard from HR and Training staff and got to see various telecom construction tasks in the field. The hosts were very friendly and nice. It’s always interesting to see how holes are made, and fiber is deployed. Also the subgroups met for the first time to plan for their sections of the annual Task Force report.
10:00 a.m. – 10:05 a.m. Welcome Teddy Bekele, Chair, Minnesota Governor’s Task Force on Broadband
10:05 a.m. – 10:10 a.m. Approval of minutes from September Task Force Meeting
Done
10:10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. TelCom Construction Presentation and Facility Tour
Questions
How do you get new employees?
They have 4-5 people actively recruit for new staff.
11:30 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. Break
11:40 a.m. – 11:55 a.m. Office of Broadband Development Overview Bree Maki, Executive Director, OBD
No update from OBD
11:55 a.m.— 12:25 p.m. Subgroup Work Sessions
I tried to capture on of the two subgroups in the room but with ambient noise made that very difficult. This was the initial meeting of the subgroups and primarily this was brainstorming about what to look at in the annual report and what resources would be best to include. I overheard questions about BEAD, mapping, wireless versus wireline.
12:25 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Other Business, November’s Meeting Plans, Wrap-up
Looks like the next Task Force meeting is on the road…
Governor’s Task Force on Broadband
October 15, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
16643 County Road 75 Clearwater, MN 55320
TelCom Construction Training Facility
- 10:00 a.m. – 10:05 a.m. Welcome
Teddy Bekele, Chair, Minnesota Governor’s Task Force on Broadband- 10:05 a.m. – 10:10 a.m. Approval of minutes from September Task Force Meeting
- 10:10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. TelCom Construction Presentation and Facility Tour
- 11:30 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. Break
- 11:40 a.m. – 11:55 a.m. Office of Broadband Development Overview Bree Maki, Executive Director, OBD
- 11:55 a.m.— 12:25 p.m. Subgroup Work Sessions
- 12:25 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Other Business, November’s Meeting Plans, Wrap-up
The MN Broadband Task Force met today. They heard from Communication Service for the Deaf and The Pew Charitable Trusts and got a view from the frontlines and researchers.
The big news with BEAD is that they have announced their “threshold” bid. That’s the bid that makes them look closer at a bid per location, or ask the bidder to make changes or it might even pragmatically indicate that a project will not get funded – depending on how over the threshold it is. Locations that are not able to lower the bid to meet the BEAD threshold may go to satellite.
1:00 p.m. – 1:10 p.m. Welcome Teddy Bekele, Chair, Minnesota Governor’s Task Force on Broadband
1:10 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Approval of minutes from June and August Task Force meetings
1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) with Cameron Papazis, Business Development Manager and Irisa MacAulay, Business Development Associate
Questions: Continue reading
From the Office of Broadband Development…
Governor’s Task Force on Broadband
September 22, 2025
1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 249 182 525 277
Passcode: KH6Rc37B
Dial in by phone
+1 651-395-7448,,377445322# United States, Minneapolis
Phone conference ID: 377 445 322#
Join on a video conferencing device
Tenant key: mn@m.webex.com
Video ID: 112 034 183 9
For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN
1:00 p.m. – 1:10 p.m. Welcome
Teddy Bekele, Chair, Minnesota Governor’s Task Force on Broadband
1:10 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Approval of minutes from June and August Task Force meetings
1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD)
Cameron Papazis, Business Development Manager
Irisa MacAulay, Business Development Associate
2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Break
2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. The Pew Charitable Trusts
Jake Varn, Associate Manager, Broadband Access Initiative
3:00 p.m.—3:20 p.m. Office of Broadband Development Overview + Updates
Bree Maki, Executive Director, OBD
12:20 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.Other Business, Subgroup Updates, October’s Meeting Plans, Wrap-up