Tag Archives: BEAD

Paul Bunyan Communications broadband expansion projects estimated at almost $8 million

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The Timbeyjay reports on expansion of broadband in Northen Minnesota…

Paul Bunyan Communications is planning a significant expansion of its all-fiber optic network in parts of St. Louis and Itasca counties this year, bringing high-speed broadband service to more than 600 homes and businesses across five townships near Cook.
The project will extend the cooperative’s GigaZone network into areas south and west of Cook, including portions of Alango, Carpenter, Field, and Sturgeon townships, along with an unorganized township east of Carpenter.

I wrote about the expansions earlier, the Timberjay takes a look funding…

The total cost is estimated at $7,810,355, with funding coming from a combination of state, regional, local, and cooperative sources.
The largest share of funding, $3,924,157, is being provided through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Low-Density Population Broadband Infrastructure Development Grant Program. Paul Bunyan Communications is contributing $2,203,928 toward the project.
Additional support includes $1,000,000 from Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, $583,250 from St. Louis County, and smaller contributions from local townships, including $41,200 from Alango Township, $17,800 from Field Township, and $40,000 from Sturgeon Township.

And a look at the larger industry and funding…

These local expansions are taking place amid broader policy changes that could shape the future of broadband deployment across the state.
Federal changes to broadband funding rules are influencing how projects are selected in Minnesota. Updated guidance issued in 2025 by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration shifted the BEAD program toward a more “technology-neutral” approach, requiring states to consider a mix of fiber, fixed wireless, and satellite options when awarding funds, rather than prioritizing fiber by default.
Minnesota’s approved BEAD plan reflects that shift, with state officials anticipating a combination of technologies to reach unserved areas, particularly in remote locations where fiber deployment is more costly. Analysts say the policy change has already begun to affect outcomes, with fiber accounting for a smaller share of proposed or funded projects than originally expected and more funding directed toward wireless and satellite options. The Minnesota Office of Broadband Development, which is overseeing roughly $652 million in federal funding, continues to work through how those federal requirements will shape final project selections and the pace of expansion across rural parts of the state.
At the same time, the shift has raised ongoing questions about long-term performance differences between technologies. Fiber networks like Paul Bunyan Communications’ GigaZone are capable of speeds up to 10 gigabits per second, far exceeding federal minimum broadband standards, while satellite-based services such as Starlink typically deliver speeds closer to 250 megabits per second, according to federal and industry data, a gap that can affect reliability, latency, and long-term scalability for users.

Four Ideas to Help BEAD Succeed – from Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

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So many change with BEAD over the years, the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society (or John Windhausen, Jr via Benton) has some suggestions…

Congress created the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program in 2021 “to bridge the digital divide.”[1] The National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s own program materials say BEAD “aims to connect every American to high-speed internet” through infrastructure partnerships.[2] That is an important mission, and one that still enjoys broad support.

Operating the program, however, has been challenging, due to rule changes, difficulties identifying unserved and underserved locations, and questions about the capabilities of competing technologies.

I am abbreviating his recommendations…

1. Keep BEAD Focused on Broadband.

The Biden-era BEAD framework attached a series of requirements that were not clearly rooted in the statute, such as labor and climate control measures.[5]  NTIA’s 2025 Restructuring Policy Notice eliminated these “extralegal labor, employment, and workforce development requirements”.[6]

But the Trump Administration risks repeating the same mistake in a different form.

2. Provide LEO Satellite Support for Broadband Adoption, Not Deployment.

Under NTIA’s “Benefit of the Bargain” bidding program, states awarded over 20 percent of “deployment” funding to low-earth orbiting (LEO) satellite services.[8]  This is illogical; the satellite companies are already deploying thousands of satellites without government funding.  Providing these companies with “deployment” funding will not yield any additional satellites and could be considered a waste of funds.

On the other hand, providing subsidies to cover the costs of satellite dish equipment and installation will help consumers afford to subscribe, which IS one of the BEAD program’s goals. This makes it a broadband adoption issue, not a deployment issue. States should be allowed to make non-deployment funding available to LEO satellite companies as customers sign up, rather than handing the LEO satellite providers a large up-front check.

3. Do Not Make Sustainability Harder Than It Already Is.

After the “Benefit of the Bargain” competitive bidding process was completed, NTIA adopted a relatively new rule regarding future federal support. In an October 2025 speech at the Hudson Institute, Assistant Secretary Arielle Roth said NTIA would require broadband awardees to certify that they would not “require or take additional federal subsidies—including operational subsidies—to complete or operate their BEAD projects.”[9] That policy was later codified into Term 51 of the November 2025 BEAD General Terms and Conditions.  NTIA justified the rule on default-prevention grounds, arguing that reliance on speculative future funding increases the risk that a project will fail.[10]

The concern is legitimate, but the flat prohibition on additional federal funding may overshoot.

4. Allow States to Use Non-Deployment Funds to Drive Adoption and Long-Term Viability.

Finally, if NTIA wants BEAD-funded networks to last, it should pay closer attention to adoption. NTIA’s own BroadbandUSA homepage describes BEAD as a program supporting broadband “deployment, mapping, and adoption,” not deployment alone. In the February 2026 listening sessions on the use of BEAD savings, the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society reported that broadband adoption was the dominant theme, with speakers repeatedly urging NTIA to support affordability, devices, and digital skills alongside network construction.[11]

MN OBD Update Mar 25: Conference Registration is open and training starts soon

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • Register today! April 29, Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit
  • Virtual Broadband Development Training Series, starts Thursday April 2
  • Line Extension Connection Program
  • Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) in Minnesota
  • DEED Blog: An introduction to the Minnesota Broadband Charter

Thank you to the Hmong American Partnership (HAP) and Comcast for inviting OBD to join Mayor Her of Saint Paul, along with other state and local elected officials, to participate in touring HAP’s newly renovated Lift Zone and learning how the Lift Zone continues to advance connectivity, learning, and opportunity for residents through expanding digital access, enhancing technology resources, and creating refreshed community spaces that support digital equity initiatives and emerging telehealth efforts.

Register today! April 29, Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Office of Broadband Development is hosting the Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. This in-person event will bring together national leaders, internet service providers, federal, state, tribal, and local government partners, and broadband advocates from across Minnesota. Connecting people to resources, information, and each other is critical to Minnesota’s economic stability and digital opportunity.

The summit will be held at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center (6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center, MN 55434).

We are committed to providing equal access to this conference for all participants. If you need alternative formats or other reasonable accommodations, please contact mndeedevents@state.mn.us by the close of business on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Virtual Broadband Development Training Series, starts Thursday April 2

OBD has been working alongside other state agencies on streamlining environmental reviews and permitting efforts for broadband infrastructure projects across Minnesota. Originally held in 2024, this April, OBD and state agency partners will offer four new webinar sessions through a revised Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems).

The April 2 session will feature the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) and provide an overview of DLI’s involvement with the Safety-Qualified Underground Telecommunications Installer Certification Program.

This session will be recorded and shared on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage.

Line Extension Connection Program

Registration remains open for residents and businesses for future rounds of the Line Extension Connection Program. More information and the registration page are available on the Line Extension Connection Program webpage.

For assistance completing the application or to request a paper form to complete, please call 651-259-7610 or email DEED.broadband@state.mn.us.

Outreach materials on registration were mailed to over 61,000 locations in the past week. OBD expects to run a fifth round of Line Extension with state project funds in Spring 2026 and is currently in the process of rolling out awards and getting confirmation of award acceptance from providers for Round 4. Preliminary awards have been published to the Line Extension Connection Program webpage.

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

OBD continues to update the OBD BEAD webpage as resources are made available. New resources have been added on environmental permitting and the National Environmental Permitting Policy (NEPA) including:

DEED Blog: An introduction to the Minnesota Broadband Charter

“The Broadband Charter has become a vital forum for collaboration among state agencies, enabling streamlined permitting processes and improved communication while respecting each agency’s mission. By adding dedicated capacity and fostering partnerships at both state and federal levels, OBD and the Charter are ensuring that broadband infrastructure can be deployed efficiently and effectively – bringing reliable connectivity to every corner of the state.”

Read the full story on the DEED Developments Blog.

Concerns are emerging over unallocated of BEAD nondeployment funds

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Roll Call reports...

The Trump administration has asserted for months that its “bargain” version of the federal $42.5 billion grant program to expand access to broadband internet would save taxpayers money. That made states and their representatives in Congress nervous that funds left over after deployment proposals would be clawed back.

Under pressure from senators at an appropriations hearing, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick last month sought to calm fears when he said that so-called “non-deployment” funds under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment, or BEAD, program would not be rescinded.

But with no guidance so far from the department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which was expected but delayed this week, lawmakers and others are pushing to have their voice heard on exactly how states will be able to use the $21 billion pot of money.

Concern over the unallocated funds has been bipartisan. Senators on both sides of the aisle pressed Lutnick at the Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Subcommittee hearing — which was overshadowed by questions on his interactions with deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein — mentioning connectivity needs in their states that could be filled by the funds in areas such as remote health care and farming.

MN Office of Broadband Development Updates: Save the date! April 29, Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • Save the date! April 29, Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit
  • Register now, 2026 Broadband Development Training Series
  • Line Extension Connection Program
  • Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) in Minnesota

Save the date! April 29, Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Office of Broadband Development is hosting the Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. This in-person event will bring together national leaders, internet service providers, federal, state, tribal, and local government partners, and broadband advocates from across Minnesota. Connecting people to resources, information, and each other is critical to Minnesota’s economic stability and digital opportunity.

The summit will be held at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center (6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center, MN 55434). Free parking will be available at the venue.

Registration will open in early spring. A $20 registration fee helps offset catering and conference costs.

We are committed to providing equal access to this conference for all participants. If you need alternative formats or other reasonable accommodations, please contact mndeedevents@state.mn.us by the close of business on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Register now, 2026 Broadband Development Training Series

OBD has been working alongside other state agencies on streamlining environmental reviews and permitting efforts for broadband infrastructure projects across Minnesota. Originally held in 2024, this April, OBD and state agency partners will offer four new webinar sessions through a revised Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems).

2026 sessions will feature a combination of updates from previous presenters and new information from partner agencies with resources for broadband program grantees. Sessions will be recorded and shared on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage.

Line Extension Connection Program

Registration remains open for residents and businesses for future rounds of the Line Extension Connection Program. More information and the registration page are available on the Line Extension Connection Program webpage.

For assistance completing the application or to request a paper form to complete, please call 651-259-7610 or email DEED.broadband@state.mn.us.

Outreach materials on registration will be mailed to over 61,000 locations in the coming weeks. OBD expects to run a fifth round of Line Extension with state project funds in Spring 2026 and is currently in the process of rolling out awards and getting confirmation of award acceptance from providers for Round 4. Preliminary awards have been published to the Line Extension Connection Program webpage.

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

OBD continues to update the OBD BEAD webpage as resources are made available.

On December 19, 2025, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved Minnesota’s BEAD Final Proposal, advancing the state’s plan to expand high‑speed internet with federal funding. Following extensive engagement, restructuring, and over 18 rounds of curing, Minnesota has been initially approved for:

  • $378.9 million in BEAD subgrants across 94 projects. These projects are supported by nearly $190 million in matching funds, representing a total anticipated investment of more than $568.8 million
  • Funds will connect 74,739 locations

On Monday February 9, 2026 OBD received its BEAD Notice of Award (NoA) from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Next steps will include contracting with subgrantees, which must be completed within 6 months of receipt of the NoA.

BEAD in the news:

Direction on BEAD non-deployment funds will wait until after State Broadband Leaders Network Winter Summit

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The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) reports…

Statement by Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth regarding the use of the $21 billion savings achieved in the BEAD program through the Trump Administration’s Benefit of the Bargain reforms:

“For the past few weeks, NTIA has received an extraordinary level of interest and feedback concerning our approach to using the $21 billion in savings achieved through the Benefit of the Bargain reforms to the BEAD program.

“We appreciate the voluminous and passionate responses to our call for input. Across three listening sessions, we had more than 1,700 attendees and 175 speakers participate. We also received 188 written comments from industry, state officials, and broadband advocates.

“Participants and commenters have raised interesting ideas, including funding permitting improvements and workforce-related training, enhancing public safety communications, and using some of the funding to ‘clean up’ any remaining unserved locations.

“Next week, state officials from around the country will travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in our State Broadband Leaders Network Winter Summit. This conference presents a unique opportunity to engage directly with the states on how some of these ideas could be implemented to ensure we continue maximizing the value of the BEAD program for the American people.

“While our guidance was expected by next week, we are taking additional time to review the comments and finalize our approach to ensure these funds are spent as efficiently and responsibly as possible. American taxpayers work hard for their money and deserve nothing less from this Administration.”

To read about the feedback we’ve received from the public and industry, and common themes that have emerged from those discussions, click here.

Office of Broadband Development Mar 1 2026: April Webinars, Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems)

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

April 2026 Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems)

Registration information below!

The Office of Broadband Development (OBD) has been working alongside other state agencies on streamlining and understanding environmental reviews and permitting efforts for broadband infrastructure projects across Minnesota. Originally held in 2024, this April, OBD and state agency partners will offer four new webinar sessions through a revised Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems).

These 2026 sessions will feature a combination of updates from previous presenters and new information from partner agencies with resources for broadband program grantees. Registration information for the 2026 webinar sessions and the materials from the 2024 series are also available on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage. Sessions will be recorded and shared.

Thursday April 2 at 10 a.m. | Department of Labor and Industry

Register for the DLI session on April 2

  • Sean O’Neil (Director of Licensing & Enforcement, Construction Codes and Licensing Division)
  • Don Sivigny (Supervisor/Education, Rules, Codes, and Grants, Construction Codes and Licensing Division)

Join the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) for an overview of DLI’s involvement with the Safety-Qualified Underground Telecommunications Installer Certification Program.

Thursday April 9 at 10 a.m. | Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC) and the Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA)

Register for the MIAC and OSA session on April 9

  • Lilly Geraghty (MIAC, Cultural Resource Manager)
  • Amanda Gronhovd (OSA, Minnesota State Archaeologist)

Updated informational session from the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC) and the Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) on their work with broadband infrastructure projects.

Thursday April 16 at 10 a.m. | Office of Pipeline Safety

Register for the Office of Pipeline Safety session April 16

  • Michael Mendiola (P.E. | Damage Prevention Manager)

Join the Office of Pipeline Safety for an introduction and insight into their work with underground utility damage prevention and their involvement with broadband program grantees.

Thursday April 23 at 10 a.m. | State Historic Preservation Office

Register for the SHPO session April 23

  • Lucy Harrington (Environmental Review Archaeologist)
  • Kelly Gragg-Johnson (Environmental Review Specialist)

In this final session, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) will review processes and discuss updates, including how to submit archaeological survey reports as part of review.

Please email deed.broadband@state.mn.us with any questions or accessibility requests. 

OBD director Bree Maki speaks to Broadband Communities about local providers’ concerns with BEAD stipulations

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Broadband Communities reports…

Requirements asking providers to submit written statements pledging not to take additional subsidies to complete and operate BEAD projects have had a chilling effect, according to Bree Maki, the director of Minnesota’s office of broadband development.

Maki made the comments in her recent appearance on Beyond the Cable, a Broadband Communities podcast.

She said providers using subsidies from the Universal Service Fund have been most hesitant to participate in the government’s $42.45 billion broadband spend, known as the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.

“There’s just a level of uncertainty,” she said, referencing the announcement from Arielle Roth last November directing states to obtain the written statements.

You can listen to the full interview below.

Office of Broadband Development Feb 25, 2026: BEAD & Line Extension updates

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • Coming soon! 2026 Broadband Development Training Series
  • Line Extension Connection Program updates
  • Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) in Minnesota
  • Broadband Task Force, February meeting recap
  • In the news, Bree Maki: Got broadband? If no, it may arrive later this year

Executive Director, Bree Maki, presented Office of Broadband Development legislative updates to the Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee, Wednesday February 18 and the House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee, Monday February 23.

Recordings and materials from both are available in the archives on the Senate webpage and House webpage.

Coming soon! 2026 Broadband Development Training Series

OBD has been working alongside other state agencies on streamlining environmental reviews and permitting efforts for broadband infrastructure projects across Minnesota. Those updates will be presented to community partners through a revised Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems).

The revised series will feature a combination of updates from previous presenters and new information from partner agencies with resources for broadband program grantees. Registration information for the webinar sessions will be posted alongside the materials from the original 2024 series on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage.

Line Extension Connection Program updates

Registration remains open for residents and businesses for future rounds of the Line Extension Connection Program. More information and the registration page is available on the Line Extension Connection Program webpage.

For assistance completing the application or to request a paper form to complete please call 651-259-7610 or email DEED.broadband@state.mn.us.

OBD expects to run a fifth round of Line Extension with state project funds in Spring 2026 and is currently in the process of rolling out awards and getting confirmation of award acceptance from providers for Round 4. Preliminary awards will be published to the Line Extension Connection Program webpage later this week.

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

OBD continues to update the OBD BEAD webpage as resources are made available. This includes:

On December 19, 2025, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved Minnesota’s BEAD Final Proposal, advancing the state’s plan to expand high‑speed internet with federal funding. Following extensive engagement, restructuring, and over 18 rounds of curing, Minnesota has been initially approved for:

  • $378.9 million in BEAD subgrants across 94 projects. These projects are supported by nearly $190 million in matching funds, representing a total anticipated investment of more than $568.8 million
  • Funds will connect connect 74,739 locations

On Monday February 9, 2026 OBD received its BEAD Notice of Award (NoA) from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Next steps will include contracting with subgrantees, which must be completed within 6 months of receipt of the NoA.

Broadband Task Force, February meeting recap

The Broadband Task Force met Wednesday February 18 at 10 a.m. The Task Force heard presentations from Tabetha Brockman (Assistant Professor of Psychology, Program Manager, Mayo Clinic Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCaTS) Rural Health Research Core) and Ilaya Rome Hopkins (Community Engagement Coordinator, MCCCC & CCaTS Rural Health Research Core) on Rural Health Research: Understanding Digital Access to Improve Community Health. Minnesota Governor’s Task Force on Broadband Member, Ini Augustine (Chief Executive Officer, Technologist Computers), presented on the Neighbors Connect Digital Access Program.

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

In the news, Bree Maki: Got broadband? If no, it may arrive later this year

Executive Director, Bree Maki, discussed the state of broadband access in Minnesota in Rochester’s Post-Bulletin, noting:

“Broadband is an absolute necessity in today’s world. Nearly every family relies on fast internet to connect to work, school, health care, entertainment, friends and family. Minnesota businesses need it to reach customers, compete locally or globally, and grow. It allows people to live and work where they wish to across the state. But too many Minnesotans still don’t have access to broadband.”

The full op-ed is available online here.

Office of Broadband Development presentation to MN House Committee on Agriculture Finance and Policy

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Today, the Office of Broadband Development presents to MN House Committee on Agriculture Finance and Policy:

Monday, February 23, 2026, 1:00 PM
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Co-Chair: Rep. Paul Anderson holds the gavel
Co-Chair: Rep. Rick Hansen
Location: Capitol G3

The presentation will look remarkably similar to the recent presentation given to the Senate Committee last week.

*this is a link to the live video, broadband starts around 3:15. I will replace this with the archive video once available.

QUESTIONS:

  • Q Line Extension: I heard they were being assessed an extra fee because their connection was copper. In Stearns County, but this county wasn’t a part of the county effort to get service.
    We will need to look at the location. Line Extension won’t overbuild.
  • Any impact from tariffs?
    Not yet – as far as current construction. But we hear with BEAD that suppliers are having challenges. BEAD is required to buy American/build America – but we’re running into shortages there because the supplies weren’t for broadband only. We may be looking for waivers.
  • Q: We have a lot of folks on LEO & Fixed wireless – do you know cost of location? And how it might increase?
    Within BEAD: LEO didn’t apply during program so no limitations. Both were awarded another way at $900-1800 per location but we don’t know what we will be buying. Would have to dig to get stats on fixed wireless. Average cost in BEAD was around $5000 taking in account all modes of broadband. Highest cost was $36,000 per location. It was not accepted. But we did get approval for $22,000 per location.
  • Q: Shouldn’t we try to get fiber for a minimum of $5000? What’s our goal with fiber?
    BEAD is its own thing. State programs and goals are different.
  • Q: LEOA and fixed wireless – do they meet state requirements for speeds?
    No
  • Q: Why are we doing this in rural areas?
    It helps the childcare shortage by allowing childcare workers to do professional development at home. Also it makes reporting to the State easier.
  • Q: Who builds the broadband? Do you work with contractors or do you put our an RFP?
    OBD grants are for broadband providers.
  • Q: Do you have issues with workforce shortages?
    ISPs generally plan in advance. But it is a challenge.
  • Q: Given the federal funds and state investment when will we get ubiquitous broadband?
    We thought it would be $1.2 billion.
  • Q: How is MN doing?
    We have been doing this work for a long time so our questions are more complex than other states.
  • Q: It used to be that local providers got dibs on funding. Is that still true?
    We do rank applications by local support. It behooves providers to build relationships with the community.

Benton reports on the NTIA Broadband Non-Deployment Listening Sessions

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The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society report on the Non-Deployment Listening Sessions  hosted by National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)…

We’ve been…well, listening in to the listening sessions held by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) regarding the use of potential Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program non-deployment funds. This week, NTIA held its second session on the subject, which concluded just before the deadline for written input on what to do with non-deployment funding.

Between the two sessions, roughly 85 people were able to communicate their non-deployment ideas to NTIA staff. Broadband adoption (including affordable broadband, low-cost devices, and digital skills training) is the most supported use mentioned over both meetings. Here’s what speakers said during round two, and how it compares to the first session last week.

Here’s an interesting look at the range of topics…

The two non-deployment listening sessions contained a few recurring themes that steered the conversation amongst everyone who was able to speak. By our estimates, these key topics were mentioned by the speakers at the rates given below:

  1. Broadband Adoption: Affordability, Device Access & Digital Literacy  –  43 (times mentioned by speakers)

  2. Workforce Development –  22

  3. Broadband Affordability  – 13

  4. Regional/Local Flexibility – 13

  5. Permitting Reform – 12

  6. Middle Mile & AI infra – 12

  7. Public Safety & Emergency Response/911 – 9

  8. More Infrastructure – 7

  9. EdTech/Kids Safety – 7

  10. Return Funds to Treasury – 5

  11. Wireless infra – 5
  12. Mapping/Data Collection – 4
  13. Tribal broadband –  3
  14. Air Traffic Control – 1
  15. Radio Technology – 1

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She offers a positive perspective…

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

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

And a plan…

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

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

EVENT Feb 18: BEAD Non-Deployment Listening Session

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Sounds like an interesting session. It has been well attended in the past…

NTIA Listening Session on the Use of BEAD Funds Saved Through the Trump Administration’s Benefit of the Bargain Reforms

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will convene a second virtual listening session on the use of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program funds saved thanks to the Trump Administration and Secretary Lutnick’s Benefit of the Bargain reforms. This session will gather input from stakeholders to inform NTIA’s future planning and policy development regarding the use of these “nondeployment” funds.

Register

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick testifies on broadband before the Senate Appropriations Committee

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Unfortunately, there’s a sound issue in part of this video, but Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is asked pointed questions about BEAD funding and what might happen to the unspent BEAD funding. (I have checked other videos; the sound cuts out in them too. The error must have happened in the room.)