From the MN Office of Broadband Development…
Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates
- Broadband Task Force, September meeting plans
- Digital Opportunity updates
- Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) updates
- Line Extension Connection Program, registration open for residents and businesses
Broadband Task Force, September meeting plans
The Broadband Task Force will meet Wednesday September 16 at 10 a.m. CT. This meeting will be held virtually and is open to anyone from the public to attend. Information on this upcoming meeting, including the Teams link to join, as well as past meetings can be found on the Broadband Task Force webpage.
Digital Opportunity updates
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is to review the E-Rate Program, information from the FCC available on the Federal Register. Additional resources include:
- Schools, Health, & Libraries Broadband Coalition’s (SHLB) resource page on their response to purposed E-Rate changes
- National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Listening Session on the FCC’s E-Rate and Screen Use, register now September 15, 2026, at 6 p.m. CT
Additionally, on the federal news of the reinstatement of the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, Benton Institute recently published The Tight Clock for Reopening the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. At this time, our office has not received updated guidance from NTIA regarding whether state’s Digital Equity Capacity funds or related grants may be reinstated.
As OBD continues to navigate ongoing developments please feel free to reach out to our office with questions at DEED.broadband@state.mn.us or by phone at 651-259-7610.
Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) updates
OBD is continuing to work through required project scope changes and preparing contracts for execution. Updated information and resources can be found on the OBD BEAD webpage. The NTIA must approve project scope changes and has informed OBD the review process can take several weeks. The current federal contracting deadline is October 8, 2026.
On September 3, 2026, the NTIA announced a new BEAD Supplemental Deployment Policy Notice that introduces an updated process for BEAD implementation. States are actively reviewing this new guidance to better understand its implications. As NTIA releases additional information, including details on timelines, states will provide further updates and resources to keep partners and providers informed.
BEAD mentions in the news include:
- Broadband Breakfast’s States Working on BEAD Project Costs, Permits
- Federal delays are holding up $21 billion for rural internet projects, as states wait for guidance
- OBD’s Executive Director, Bree Maki, was quoted in a recent article, Second BEAD Deployment Funding Round Launched, “We’ve had some really good providers who have participated in the state of Minnesota for years not be able to move forward with BEAD because of cost increases, supply chain, as well as the uncertainties that this program has provided.”
Providers and community members can contact OBD at DEED.broadband@state.mn.us with questions.
Line Extension Connection Program, registration open for residents and businesses
Registration remains open for residents and businesses for future rounds of the Line Extension Connection Program.
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.
More information and registration are available on the Line Extension Connection Program webpage.