Slides from the 2017 MN Broadband Providers Conference - Update from the Office of Broadband Development on the office and Border to Border Grant Program.
The Minnesota Rural Broadband Coalition was formed in 2015 to advocate for improved broadband access across rural Minnesota. It now includes over 80 member organizations from industries like healthcare, education, and agriculture. In 2018, the Coalition lobbied the state legislature to fund the Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program with $51.48 million but only received $15 million, which was then vetoed. Looking ahead to 2019, the Coalition will continue advocating for stable, long-term funding to achieve Minnesota's broadband speed goals and help close the digital divide for unserved and underserved rural areas.
Regional Broadband MN - presentation from Office of Broadband DevelopmentAnn Treacy
The document summarizes Minnesota's broadband development timeline and policies from 2008 to the present. It outlines the state's statutory broadband goals, the role of the Office of Broadband Development and task forces, broadband mapping efforts, and the Border to Border broadband grant program. The grant program has provided broadband access to over 56,800 homes and businesses since 2014. Current federal funding opportunities through programs like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the American Rescue Plan Act could provide additional funding to support Minnesota's broadband expansion efforts.
Regional Broadband meeting in NW MN from Office of Broadband DevelopmentAnn Treacy
This document summarizes Minnesota's broadband development timeline and policies from 2008 to the present. It outlines the state's statutory broadband goals, the role of the Office of Broadband Development and task forces, broadband mapping, and the Border to Border broadband grant program. The grant program has provided broadband access to over 56,800 homes since 2014. Current federal funding opportunities through programs like RDOF, NTIA, and the American Rescue Plan Act are also discussed.
MN Broadband regional meeting in west centralAnn Treacy
The document summarizes Minnesota's broadband development timeline and policies from 2008 to the present. It outlines the state's statutory broadband goals, the role of the Office of Broadband Development and task forces, broadband mapping, and the Border to Border broadband grant program. The grant program has provided broadband access to over 56,800 homes and businesses since 2014. Current federal funding opportunities and the potential impacts of infrastructure legislation are also mentioned.
Update on MN Office of Broadband DevelopmentAnn Treacy
The document summarizes Minnesota's broadband development policy and programs from 2008 to 2019. It outlines the timeline of broadband goals, funding, and initiatives. It also describes the Border to Border broadband grant program, eligibility requirements, funding amounts, and examples of successful public-private partnerships that have leveraged state grants to expand broadband access.
SMIF Regional Broadband Forum: Le Sueur Count Broadband InitativeAnn Treacy
The Le Sueur County broadband initiative started in April 2018 at a regional broadband summit. Since then, the county has received various grants and funding totaling over $5.5 million to expand broadband access through fiber, fixed wireless, and other technologies. This includes a Blandin grant of $1.8 million and $3.7 million from the CARES Act. Most townships also contributed funds. The funding is being used to support economic development for local businesses by improving technology access and training, as well as projects for telemedicine, virtual communities, and a county-wide website. Conversations continue on further expanding broadband access when additional funding sources are identified.
Fast and reliable broadband service is a critical resource for regional economic development, growing and sustaining local businesses, and improving overall quality of life in communities. Developing broadband infrastructure and influencing policy have become increasingly important since the onset of the pandemic. Learn from members who will share promising practices from communities working to develop and assure coverage throughout the country.
-Jim Baldwin, Executive Director, Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission, Lebanon, VA
-David Cleveland, Executive Director, East Texas Council of Governments, Kilgore, TX
-Ryan Collins, Broadband Coordinator, Buckeye Hills Regional Council, Marietta, OH
-Moderator: Monique Boulet, CEO, Acadiana Planning Commission, Lafayette, LA
This document discusses broadband expansion goals in Minnesota. It outlines the state's goals that by 2022 all businesses and homes have access to broadband with minimum speeds of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload and by 2026 access to speeds of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. As of 2021, 96.4% of unserved and 96.5% of underserved households were in rural areas. The document also lists challenges around supply shortages, workforce shortages, and affordability as well as inequities with some student populations still lacking internet access essential for learning.
The Minnesota Rural Broadband Coalition was formed in 2015 to advocate for improved broadband access across rural Minnesota. It now includes over 80 member organizations from industries like healthcare, education, and agriculture. In 2018, the Coalition lobbied the state legislature to fund the Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program with $51.48 million but only received $15 million, which was then vetoed. Looking ahead to 2019, the Coalition will continue advocating for stable, long-term funding to achieve Minnesota's broadband speed goals and help close the digital divide for unserved and underserved rural areas.
Regional Broadband MN - presentation from Office of Broadband DevelopmentAnn Treacy
The document summarizes Minnesota's broadband development timeline and policies from 2008 to the present. It outlines the state's statutory broadband goals, the role of the Office of Broadband Development and task forces, broadband mapping efforts, and the Border to Border broadband grant program. The grant program has provided broadband access to over 56,800 homes and businesses since 2014. Current federal funding opportunities through programs like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the American Rescue Plan Act could provide additional funding to support Minnesota's broadband expansion efforts.
Regional Broadband meeting in NW MN from Office of Broadband DevelopmentAnn Treacy
This document summarizes Minnesota's broadband development timeline and policies from 2008 to the present. It outlines the state's statutory broadband goals, the role of the Office of Broadband Development and task forces, broadband mapping, and the Border to Border broadband grant program. The grant program has provided broadband access to over 56,800 homes since 2014. Current federal funding opportunities through programs like RDOF, NTIA, and the American Rescue Plan Act are also discussed.
MN Broadband regional meeting in west centralAnn Treacy
The document summarizes Minnesota's broadband development timeline and policies from 2008 to the present. It outlines the state's statutory broadband goals, the role of the Office of Broadband Development and task forces, broadband mapping, and the Border to Border broadband grant program. The grant program has provided broadband access to over 56,800 homes and businesses since 2014. Current federal funding opportunities and the potential impacts of infrastructure legislation are also mentioned.
Update on MN Office of Broadband DevelopmentAnn Treacy
The document summarizes Minnesota's broadband development policy and programs from 2008 to 2019. It outlines the timeline of broadband goals, funding, and initiatives. It also describes the Border to Border broadband grant program, eligibility requirements, funding amounts, and examples of successful public-private partnerships that have leveraged state grants to expand broadband access.
SMIF Regional Broadband Forum: Le Sueur Count Broadband InitativeAnn Treacy
The Le Sueur County broadband initiative started in April 2018 at a regional broadband summit. Since then, the county has received various grants and funding totaling over $5.5 million to expand broadband access through fiber, fixed wireless, and other technologies. This includes a Blandin grant of $1.8 million and $3.7 million from the CARES Act. Most townships also contributed funds. The funding is being used to support economic development for local businesses by improving technology access and training, as well as projects for telemedicine, virtual communities, and a county-wide website. Conversations continue on further expanding broadband access when additional funding sources are identified.
Fast and reliable broadband service is a critical resource for regional economic development, growing and sustaining local businesses, and improving overall quality of life in communities. Developing broadband infrastructure and influencing policy have become increasingly important since the onset of the pandemic. Learn from members who will share promising practices from communities working to develop and assure coverage throughout the country.
-Jim Baldwin, Executive Director, Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission, Lebanon, VA
-David Cleveland, Executive Director, East Texas Council of Governments, Kilgore, TX
-Ryan Collins, Broadband Coordinator, Buckeye Hills Regional Council, Marietta, OH
-Moderator: Monique Boulet, CEO, Acadiana Planning Commission, Lafayette, LA
This document discusses broadband expansion goals in Minnesota. It outlines the state's goals that by 2022 all businesses and homes have access to broadband with minimum speeds of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload and by 2026 access to speeds of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. As of 2021, 96.4% of unserved and 96.5% of underserved households were in rural areas. The document also lists challenges around supply shortages, workforce shortages, and affordability as well as inequities with some student populations still lacking internet access essential for learning.
Fast and reliable broadband service is a critical resource for regional economic development, growing and sustaining local businesses, and improving overall quality of life in communities. Developing broadband infrastructure and influencing policy have become increasingly important since the onset of the pandemic. Learn from members who will share promising practices from communities working to develop and assure coverage throughout the country.
-Jim Baldwin, Executive Director, Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission, Lebanon, VA
-David Cleveland, Executive Director, East Texas Council of Governments, Kilgore, TX
-Ryan Collins, Broadband Coordinator, Buckeye Hills Regional Council, Marietta, OH
-Moderator: Monique Boulet, CEO, Acadiana Planning Commission, Lafayette, LA
The Le Sueur County broadband plan aims to provide universal access to high-quality broadband internet through fiber or multiple modalities. Currently, several internet providers offer service but coverage is limited. The county has a population of around 28,000 people and slow to moderate growth is expected. Survey results show support for improving broadband. The plan is to expand the survey, conduct a feasibility study with a Blandin grant, generate more community involvement, and reengage providers. Key assets include existing infrastructure and partnerships while challenges include financing, geography, and competition from other broadband expansion projects.
The document provides information about funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Capital Projects Fund, including:
1. Minnesota is eligible to receive $70 million from the $10 billion Capital Projects Fund allocated for broadband infrastructure and digital connectivity technology projects.
2. The Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development must submit an application by September 30, 2021 to request $70 million for grants through Minnesota's Border-to-Border Broadband Development Program.
3. $35 million has been appropriated from the awarded funds for grants in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 through the Border-to-Border Broadband Development Program.
This document summarizes a regional broadband event that took place on September 30, 2021. It included welcome remarks, a panel on the current broadband climate in the region, and storytellers from local broadband providers. There was also an elected official update, small group discussions, and a recap. The event concluded with information about the upcoming state broadband conference in October. The purpose was to bring stakeholders together to discuss broadband access challenges in the region and potential solutions.
The document discusses broadband access and inspiration stories in West Central Minnesota counties. It provides broadband access speeds and rankings for counties in the region. It also shares several inspirational stories of how organizations are using broadband to provide education, healthcare, employment resources, and more to their communities.
The Koochiching Technology Initiative aims to expand broadband access in Koochiching County through partnerships with existing providers. A community survey found that 65% of businesses believe poor internet puts them at a competitive disadvantage while 61% would not pay more for better internet. The plan identifies five areas of need totaling 1,493 unserved locations that could be reached by developing fiber builds partnering with an existing cable operator in one area and cooperative broadband provider in four other areas. The estimated total cost is $6.3 million to connect 747 customers at an average of $8,533 per customer.
The Utah Broadband Project has worked since 2010 to expand broadband access across Utah through partnerships. It formed a broadband advisory council in 2011 to improve coordination among providers. In the past 6 months, 3 new providers were added to the broadband map and 16 existing providers increased their speeds and coverage areas. The project's interactive broadband map provides detailed data on residential broadband availability and has seen increasing user numbers. It has also conducted drive tests, surveys, and regional planning teams to identify barriers and opportunities to expand broadband. The project aims to continue promoting deployment best practices and serving as an advisor on broadband policy.
The document outlines the broadband development process from start to finish in a simplified manner. It begins with learning about the local broadband needs through community engagement. It then involves examining options like improving existing infrastructure or building new networks. Key steps include conducting feasibility studies, identifying potential partners, and negotiating deals. The goal is to improve broadband infrastructure and celebrate the achieved progress. The document also provides an overview of various broadband technologies like satellite, fixed wireless, and wired options like fiber and discusses their capabilities and limitations. It concludes with a panel discussion on local broadband projects.
The document discusses broadband availability mapping and data collection efforts in Georgia, noting that maps may overstate availability as providers only need to offer service to one customer in an area to report it as served. It also presents results of a Georgia rural broadband survey finding that over 60% of respondents said they could not purchase their needed broadband speed and over 70% said their current service was not sufficient. The document provides contact information for the Georgia Broadband Center for additional information.
This document announces a webinar on digital inclusion basics hosted by the Blandin Community Broadband Program. The webinar will feature presentations from experts at the National Telecommunications Information Administration BroadbandUSA Program, National Digital Inclusion Alliance, Treacy Information Services, and Community Technology Advisors. It also lists related resources and announces the topic of the next webinar in the series on bringing people online through devices and connectivity.
This document summarizes responses from counties, cities, and townships in southeast Minnesota about broadband access and issues in their areas. Availability of service is a major concern, with many rural areas having little to no access. Even areas with coverage often have unreliable or insufficient service that does not meet needs like remote work and school. Respondents are working with local providers and using grants to improve access, but barriers like terrain and funding make expansion difficult. Overall, the survey finds widespread gaps in broadband access across the region that impact residents' lives.
This document summarizes broadband access in Minnesota counties based on 2020 data. It finds that 16 counties have broadband access over 90% and are labeled "Green", 34 counties under 60% access are "Red", and the remaining 37 between 60-90% are "Yellow". Factors that contribute to higher access include being located in metro areas, having cooperative providers, receiving state broadband grants, and actively working with providers. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted both benefits and limitations of broadband access. The document aims to provide lessons for policymakers and community leaders to improve broadband, such as recognizing the impact of speed goals and state funding.
This document profiles the broadband coverage and efforts in 5 Minnesota counties - Lincoln, Otter Tail, Kanabec, Pope, and St. Louis. For each county it provides information on their current broadband ranking, coverage percentages for underserved and unserved areas, access to speeds of 100/20 Mbps, community and provider broadband efforts, and current broadband providers. The largest providers receiving state grants and federal CAF funding are also listed for each county.
This document summarizes the background and key arguments of a book analyzing federal and state policies regarding subsidization, deployment, and regulation of broadband in rural communities. The author is an Associate Professor who researched the topic through a policy analysis of over 10,000 pages of documents, 90 interviews, and site visits. The book argues that rural broadband policy is both incomplete and broken, failing to bring affordable, high-speed broadband to rural areas due to regulatory capture and prioritizing large internet providers. It also highlights some local success stories of communities connecting themselves with the help of cooperatives or local ISPs. The conclusions call for a national rural broadband plan, recognizing the importance of local broadband, and ensuring history does not repeat itself in
The Northeast Service Cooperative designed the Northeast Minnesota Middle Mile Fiber Project to expand broadband infrastructure through 915 miles of fiber optic cable connecting 250 critical sites across 8 counties. Funded with $43 million in federal grants and loans, the project aims to provide high-speed connectivity to unserved and underserved rural areas through public-private partnerships. The network establishes a regional fiber optic backbone with 14 facilities and over 2.8 terabits of switching capacity.
This document summarizes Georgia's broadband initiatives from 2010-2015 including projects to analyze broadband access, provide digital training to small businesses, and conduct broadband planning with regional commissions. It also outlines current broadband data and mapping efforts through the Georgia Technology Authority and the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government. Charts show levels of rural broadband access and funding received for broadband upgrades through the FCC. Key challenges to rural broadband are noted as the ability to pay, investment returns, and the large number of broadband providers in Georgia.
A presentation given to broadband leaders in Minnesota who might have an interest in coordinating efforts to bring federal stimulus funding to the state.
Webinar – March 15 from 3-4pm
Is the BBC Program Right for You?
Register here
Blandin Foundation is now accepting applications for four new Blandin Broadband Communities, a program that supports rural community efforts to improve both access to and use of broadband that enhance community vitality. Through a leadership development, vision and planning process, community leaders set priorities and develop strategies and projects to move their community forward. Learn more about about BBC application.
Join Bill Coleman of Community Technology Advisors and Blandin Foundation’s Mary Magnuson to learn more about the BBC program, including program processes requirements, grant opportunities, and the application process.
This document summarizes Minnesota's efforts to map broadband access through its Broadband Mapping Program. It discusses how Minnesota began mapping broadband in 2008 with funding from its legislature. The maps were improved through a grant from the federal government's State Broadband Initiative program in 2009. The program worked with over 100 internet providers to map broadband access levels across technologies like DSL, cable, wireless and fiber. Mapping showed broadband growth across the state from 2010-2014. Future mapping efforts may continue to collect broadband data and update maps on a periodic basis.
Much like the construction of broadband networks across municipality borders, community development efforts often rely upon collaborations between multiple local governments and other organizations to produce the best outcomes. This session will focus on best practices for regional collaboration around broadband and community development. This session will also highlight a success story about reaching universal broadband coverage in Grayson County, Virginia.
Fast and reliable broadband service is a critical resource for regional economic development, growing and sustaining local businesses, and improving overall quality of life in communities. Developing broadband infrastructure and influencing policy have become increasingly important since the onset of the pandemic. Learn from members who will share promising practices from communities working to develop and assure coverage throughout the country.
-Jim Baldwin, Executive Director, Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission, Lebanon, VA
-David Cleveland, Executive Director, East Texas Council of Governments, Kilgore, TX
-Ryan Collins, Broadband Coordinator, Buckeye Hills Regional Council, Marietta, OH
-Moderator: Monique Boulet, CEO, Acadiana Planning Commission, Lafayette, LA
The Le Sueur County broadband plan aims to provide universal access to high-quality broadband internet through fiber or multiple modalities. Currently, several internet providers offer service but coverage is limited. The county has a population of around 28,000 people and slow to moderate growth is expected. Survey results show support for improving broadband. The plan is to expand the survey, conduct a feasibility study with a Blandin grant, generate more community involvement, and reengage providers. Key assets include existing infrastructure and partnerships while challenges include financing, geography, and competition from other broadband expansion projects.
The document provides information about funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Capital Projects Fund, including:
1. Minnesota is eligible to receive $70 million from the $10 billion Capital Projects Fund allocated for broadband infrastructure and digital connectivity technology projects.
2. The Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development must submit an application by September 30, 2021 to request $70 million for grants through Minnesota's Border-to-Border Broadband Development Program.
3. $35 million has been appropriated from the awarded funds for grants in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 through the Border-to-Border Broadband Development Program.
This document summarizes a regional broadband event that took place on September 30, 2021. It included welcome remarks, a panel on the current broadband climate in the region, and storytellers from local broadband providers. There was also an elected official update, small group discussions, and a recap. The event concluded with information about the upcoming state broadband conference in October. The purpose was to bring stakeholders together to discuss broadband access challenges in the region and potential solutions.
The document discusses broadband access and inspiration stories in West Central Minnesota counties. It provides broadband access speeds and rankings for counties in the region. It also shares several inspirational stories of how organizations are using broadband to provide education, healthcare, employment resources, and more to their communities.
The Koochiching Technology Initiative aims to expand broadband access in Koochiching County through partnerships with existing providers. A community survey found that 65% of businesses believe poor internet puts them at a competitive disadvantage while 61% would not pay more for better internet. The plan identifies five areas of need totaling 1,493 unserved locations that could be reached by developing fiber builds partnering with an existing cable operator in one area and cooperative broadband provider in four other areas. The estimated total cost is $6.3 million to connect 747 customers at an average of $8,533 per customer.
The Utah Broadband Project has worked since 2010 to expand broadband access across Utah through partnerships. It formed a broadband advisory council in 2011 to improve coordination among providers. In the past 6 months, 3 new providers were added to the broadband map and 16 existing providers increased their speeds and coverage areas. The project's interactive broadband map provides detailed data on residential broadband availability and has seen increasing user numbers. It has also conducted drive tests, surveys, and regional planning teams to identify barriers and opportunities to expand broadband. The project aims to continue promoting deployment best practices and serving as an advisor on broadband policy.
The document outlines the broadband development process from start to finish in a simplified manner. It begins with learning about the local broadband needs through community engagement. It then involves examining options like improving existing infrastructure or building new networks. Key steps include conducting feasibility studies, identifying potential partners, and negotiating deals. The goal is to improve broadband infrastructure and celebrate the achieved progress. The document also provides an overview of various broadband technologies like satellite, fixed wireless, and wired options like fiber and discusses their capabilities and limitations. It concludes with a panel discussion on local broadband projects.
The document discusses broadband availability mapping and data collection efforts in Georgia, noting that maps may overstate availability as providers only need to offer service to one customer in an area to report it as served. It also presents results of a Georgia rural broadband survey finding that over 60% of respondents said they could not purchase their needed broadband speed and over 70% said their current service was not sufficient. The document provides contact information for the Georgia Broadband Center for additional information.
This document announces a webinar on digital inclusion basics hosted by the Blandin Community Broadband Program. The webinar will feature presentations from experts at the National Telecommunications Information Administration BroadbandUSA Program, National Digital Inclusion Alliance, Treacy Information Services, and Community Technology Advisors. It also lists related resources and announces the topic of the next webinar in the series on bringing people online through devices and connectivity.
This document summarizes responses from counties, cities, and townships in southeast Minnesota about broadband access and issues in their areas. Availability of service is a major concern, with many rural areas having little to no access. Even areas with coverage often have unreliable or insufficient service that does not meet needs like remote work and school. Respondents are working with local providers and using grants to improve access, but barriers like terrain and funding make expansion difficult. Overall, the survey finds widespread gaps in broadband access across the region that impact residents' lives.
This document summarizes broadband access in Minnesota counties based on 2020 data. It finds that 16 counties have broadband access over 90% and are labeled "Green", 34 counties under 60% access are "Red", and the remaining 37 between 60-90% are "Yellow". Factors that contribute to higher access include being located in metro areas, having cooperative providers, receiving state broadband grants, and actively working with providers. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted both benefits and limitations of broadband access. The document aims to provide lessons for policymakers and community leaders to improve broadband, such as recognizing the impact of speed goals and state funding.
This document profiles the broadband coverage and efforts in 5 Minnesota counties - Lincoln, Otter Tail, Kanabec, Pope, and St. Louis. For each county it provides information on their current broadband ranking, coverage percentages for underserved and unserved areas, access to speeds of 100/20 Mbps, community and provider broadband efforts, and current broadband providers. The largest providers receiving state grants and federal CAF funding are also listed for each county.
This document summarizes the background and key arguments of a book analyzing federal and state policies regarding subsidization, deployment, and regulation of broadband in rural communities. The author is an Associate Professor who researched the topic through a policy analysis of over 10,000 pages of documents, 90 interviews, and site visits. The book argues that rural broadband policy is both incomplete and broken, failing to bring affordable, high-speed broadband to rural areas due to regulatory capture and prioritizing large internet providers. It also highlights some local success stories of communities connecting themselves with the help of cooperatives or local ISPs. The conclusions call for a national rural broadband plan, recognizing the importance of local broadband, and ensuring history does not repeat itself in
The Northeast Service Cooperative designed the Northeast Minnesota Middle Mile Fiber Project to expand broadband infrastructure through 915 miles of fiber optic cable connecting 250 critical sites across 8 counties. Funded with $43 million in federal grants and loans, the project aims to provide high-speed connectivity to unserved and underserved rural areas through public-private partnerships. The network establishes a regional fiber optic backbone with 14 facilities and over 2.8 terabits of switching capacity.
This document summarizes Georgia's broadband initiatives from 2010-2015 including projects to analyze broadband access, provide digital training to small businesses, and conduct broadband planning with regional commissions. It also outlines current broadband data and mapping efforts through the Georgia Technology Authority and the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government. Charts show levels of rural broadband access and funding received for broadband upgrades through the FCC. Key challenges to rural broadband are noted as the ability to pay, investment returns, and the large number of broadband providers in Georgia.
A presentation given to broadband leaders in Minnesota who might have an interest in coordinating efforts to bring federal stimulus funding to the state.
Webinar – March 15 from 3-4pm
Is the BBC Program Right for You?
Register here
Blandin Foundation is now accepting applications for four new Blandin Broadband Communities, a program that supports rural community efforts to improve both access to and use of broadband that enhance community vitality. Through a leadership development, vision and planning process, community leaders set priorities and develop strategies and projects to move their community forward. Learn more about about BBC application.
Join Bill Coleman of Community Technology Advisors and Blandin Foundation’s Mary Magnuson to learn more about the BBC program, including program processes requirements, grant opportunities, and the application process.
This document summarizes Minnesota's efforts to map broadband access through its Broadband Mapping Program. It discusses how Minnesota began mapping broadband in 2008 with funding from its legislature. The maps were improved through a grant from the federal government's State Broadband Initiative program in 2009. The program worked with over 100 internet providers to map broadband access levels across technologies like DSL, cable, wireless and fiber. Mapping showed broadband growth across the state from 2010-2014. Future mapping efforts may continue to collect broadband data and update maps on a periodic basis.
Much like the construction of broadband networks across municipality borders, community development efforts often rely upon collaborations between multiple local governments and other organizations to produce the best outcomes. This session will focus on best practices for regional collaboration around broadband and community development. This session will also highlight a success story about reaching universal broadband coverage in Grayson County, Virginia.
Broadband and Economic Development (Terry McDermott, Brian Smith)nado-web
The document provides information on several USDA Rural Development programs that provide funding to expand broadband access in rural areas. It summarizes the history and goals of the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and describes several RUS loan and grant programs, including details on available funding amounts, eligibility requirements, and projects funded in recent fiscal years. These programs include the Telecommunications Infrastructure Loan program, the Farm Bill Broadband Loan program, the Community Connect Grant program, and the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program. The document also discusses the ReConnect Pilot Program and loan modification terms for substantially underserved trust areas.
The road to connecting our communities to broadband has been a long and complicated journey. Hear from trailblazers and leaders in the space as they provide a roadmap detailing what has happened, what is to come, and some ways to prepare for the historical investments in broadband in our country. A wide range of topics will be discussed, from best practices to advocacy issues, including the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, the Broadband provisions of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, State Broadband Offices, and more.
This document discusses broadband and fiber networks in Dakota County. It provides an overview of fiber installation methods and the percentage of households with broadband access. It explains that fiber networks have unlimited bandwidth potential and can meet growing demand. The county has several fiber network projects underway using a "dig once" approach. There are opportunities for multi-county collaboration. An institutional network could reduce costs and improve services for governments. A commercial network could attract businesses by providing high bandwidth and create revenue. A study found substantial existing fiber assets that could be enhanced through institutional and commercial networks. Next steps include forming a joint powers agreement between partner organizations to implement and promote the networks.
The Border-to-Border Infrastructure Grant program provides $20 million to fund broadband infrastructure projects that expand high-speed internet access in unserved and underserved areas of Minnesota. Eligible applicants can receive up to $5 million to cover costs like planning, construction permits, and purchasing/installing broadband facilities. Applications will be evaluated based on factors like the number of households gaining access, evidence of community support, economic development potential, and financial viability. Informational meetings will be held around the state to help potential applicants understand eligibility requirements and the application/scoring process.
This document summarizes a partnership between the Department of Iron Range Resources and Blandin Foundation to enhance broadband access and increase broadband adoption in northeastern Minnesota. The program provides funding and technical assistance to 11 communities and organizations for projects like improved public WiFi, digital skills training, feasibility studies, and more. It also provides an overview of global internet traffic growth and the importance of broadband infrastructure and adoption to economic development.
Community Broadband Mapping from MN DEEDAnn Treacy
The document summarizes Minnesota's broadband mapping program and goals to expand broadband access across the state. It notes that Minnesota's goals are for all homes and businesses to have access to broadband speeds of at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload by 2022, and 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload by 2026. As of 2019, 62 Minnesota cities still had at least 50% of households without access to the current minimum broadband speeds. The state has invested over $105 million through its broadband grant program since 2015, funding 140 projects expected to provide service to 43,250 households, 6,669 businesses, and 360 institutions.
Federal and State Broadband Finance ProgramsAnn Treacy
The document provides information about Minnesota's Border to Border Broadband Development Grant program. It outlines that the $20 million 2020 grant round will provide financial assistance to expand broadband infrastructure to unserved and underserved areas of the state. Allowable costs include final project design, construction permits, and broadband facilities. Eligible applicants include incorporated businesses, political subdivisions, tribes, nonprofits, cooperatives, and limited liability corporations seeking to expand broadband access. Previous grant rounds have awarded $105.6 million leading to over 43,000 households and 6,600 businesses served.
The document summarizes the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Telecommunications Program. It discusses the program's history from 1949 to today, providing broadband loans and grants. It outlines funding amounts for infrastructure loans, broadband loans, and grants. It also describes considerations for service providers seeking financing, including challenges in obtaining funding given high construction costs and low subscriber densities in rural areas.
The FCC recently released its National Broadband Plan to make broadband more affordable, accessible, competitive and socially beneficial for Americans. The plan aims to provide 100 million homes with internet speeds of 100Mbps/50Mbps by 2020, make the US a global leader in mobile internet access and speeds, ensure universal access for all Americans, and upgrade infrastructure like schools and hospitals to 1Gbps. It also seeks to reallocate funds to expand broadband access, auction broadcast spectrum to wireless providers to increase capacity, and promote competition to improve networks and lower costs. The plan creates a roadmap for public-private partnerships to connect all Americans to fast, affordable broadband over the next decade.
This document outlines various partnership strategies for expanding broadband access in Minnesota. It describes partnerships between: 1) small and large internet providers and local governments like counties, townships, and economic development regions; 2) businesses contributing funds to connect their areas; and 3) tribes partnering with providers and federal agencies. Examples of successful partnerships providing broadband to unserved areas are provided. The document encourages organizing communities to identify interested areas and providers, demonstrating demand, and contributing funds to support applications for state broadband development grants.
The document discusses building broadband infrastructure in Maryland through state, local, and private sector partnerships. It outlines Maryland's broadband vision of providing affordable, widespread access across the state. A major initiative is the One Maryland Broadband Network, a $158 million project to install 1300 miles of new fiber connecting over 1000 institutions across the state. The network will help bridge the digital divide, support economic growth, and improve access for rural areas through continued public-private collaboration.
Troy Babbitt, the Enterprise Broadband Coordinator for the State of Wyoming, gave an update on Wyoming's State Broadband Initiative (SBI) at the Tri-State Telecommunications Conference in Jackson, WY on August 1, 2012.
Dig Once with Many Partners: The Dakota County Broadband NetworkAnn Treacy
Dakota County has expanded its broadband network from 20 miles in 1998 to over 350 miles today through collaboration. The county implements a "dig once" policy to lay conduit during existing construction projects to reduce costs. It partners with other government agencies, schools, electric co-ops, and private providers to share construction and maintenance costs. This collaboration has saved Dakota County and its partners millions while expanding access to high-speed internet across the region. The county is now pursuing a joint powers agreement to further streamline partnerships and fiber asset management.
The document summarizes the Utah Broadband Project which aims to develop a statewide broadband map and plan to increase broadband adoption and deployment in Utah. It provides an overview of accomplishments in the first year including creating the first broadband map for Utah and securing extended funding. Goals for the second year include conducting provider data reviews, releasing a demand study, and convening a broadband task force to identify barriers and make recommendations. The broadband map features information on provider availability and speeds at addresses across the state.
The SMBS broadband project is a joint powers agreement between eight communities in southwestern Minnesota to build an open access fiber network. They have been awarded a $12.8 million loan/grant and have built 58 miles of their transport ring so far, passing over 1,700 homes and businesses. They currently have 300 customers but expect 1,100 by May. Three member communities have municipal electric utilities and two provide cable TV, demonstrating potential future coordination between the broadband and utility networks.
Rethinking Investments in Rural Infrastructure and Access in a Changing World ruralxchange
A webinar from NARP
Speakers:
Edyael Casaperalta (Center for Rural Strategies), Jason Whittet (Massachusetts Broadband Institute), Darlene R. Wong and John Van Alst (National Consumer Law Center)
This webinar will focus primarily on the need, funding and investment for telecommunications, including broadband infrastructure. Public advocates will identify issues underlying the need for telecommunications infrastructure to rural areas, and associated challenges to funding. Associated challenges include FCC policies and directives and will include a review of FCC's plans for extending broadband to rural areas. It will examine and critique the current dynamic of public funding that is allocated to telecommunications companies, rather than to smaller entities and community anchor institutions. It will also touch on the depletion of private Foundation resources, and describe the different ways that public investment in broadband infrastructure can be funded.
What is E-rate? How can my library benefit from E-rate? How do I apply for E-rate?
E-rate is a federal program that provides discounts to schools and public libraries on the cost of their Internet Access and Connections to make these services more affordable. This includes Broadband, Fiber, and Wi-Fi Internet access as well as Internal Connections, such as wiring, routers, switches, and other network equipment.
The E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) is your online portal for all E-rate interactions. With your organizational account you can use EPC to file forms, track your application status, communicate with USAC, and more.
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1. Office of Broadband Development Update
February 23rd, 2017
Danna MacKenzie – 651-259-7611 danna.mackenzie@state.mn.us
Executive Director
MN Office of Broadband Development
Department of Employment and Economic Development
2. State Involvement in Broadband
2008-2010
• 2008 – First broadband taskforce created
• 2009 – First state broadband map created
• 2010 – Statutory broadband goals established (10/5)
2011-2013
• 2011 – Broadband task force re-authorized under new Governor
• 2013 - Office of Broadband Development was created within DEED
2014-2016
• 2014 - Border to Border Broadband Infrastructure Grant created
• 2015 – Taskforce appointments renewed
• 2015 – 2nd round of B-to-B grant appropriated
• 2016 – Speed goals renewed and updated (25/3) & 3rd grant round
3. • Provide technical assistance to communities and providers
• Administer the Border to Border broadband grant program
• Measure and map broadband availability across the state
• Inform and support state broadband policy discussions
• Clearinghouse for state and federal program resources
• Measure and Analyze community anchor institution needs
• Support digital inclusion (literacy and affordability)
• Support the inclusion of community broadband needs into
local planning processes
• Dig Once/conduit/ROW mgmt/permitting
• Provide support to the Broadband Task Force
Office of Broadband Development
Roles and Responsibilities - Highlights
4. All Homes and Businesses will
have access to broadband
service of at least:
- 25 Mbps download by 3
Mbps upload (Current FCC
definition) by 2022
- 100 Mbps download by 20
Mbps upload by 2026
Minnesota State
Broadband Goals
Renewed and updated in 2016
5. 2016 Broadband
Availability By
Township
Percentage of Households
Served by Fixed, Non-Mobile
Broadband Service
Households that
DO NOT HAVE At Least 25
Mbps download by 3 Mbps
upload (2022 state goal):
Statewide: 209,000
Rural: 202,000
6. By 2026 it is a state goal to
have all homes and businesses
have access to at least one
provider of service at or above
100Mbps Download by 20
Mbps upload
Broadband 2026
Statewide: 70.83%
Rural: 52.46%
7. Border to Border Broadband
Development Grant - Purpose
• Purpose: to provide financial incentive for the
acquisition and installation of broadband
infrastructure into unserved and underserved
areas of Minnesota
• Allowable costs: project planning,
construction permits, purchase or
construction of facilities for last-mile and
middle-mile infrastructure, and the
installation and testing of the equipment used
to provide broadband service.
8. 2016 Grant Awards
By the Numbers
Announced 1-11-17
Number of applications 62
Total amount applied for $55M
Amount awarded $34M
Number of projects awarded
Breakdown by region:
Northeast: 4 projects - $3,987,586
Northwest: 6 projects - $4,997,144
West Central: 7 projects - $7,957,476
East Central: 9 projects - $6,253,623
Southwest: 8 projects – $6,852,073
Southeast: 8 projects - $4,100,856
42
Local/private match $40.3M
Number of locations served 18,989
Unserved locations 18,370
Underserved locations 568
Challenges submitted 44
Number of challengers 13
Number of projects challenged 28
Number of challenges resulting in non-funding 6
9. Grant Awards:
3 rounds
3-year totals
Funding $65.58M
Applications
Received
146
Awards:
Awards Made 73
Households Served 25,949
Businesses Served 3176
Institutions Served 244
Public/Private
partnerships
26
Projects:
Matching
Investments
$81.6M
Completed 19
10.
11. 2016 Broadband Grantee Stories
• Sunrise Township project in Chisago County – a trifecta investment
– blends state grant, CenturyLink’s CAF II funding, and township
bonding to provide fiber to the home (FTTH) to unserved
households, businesses, and community anchor institutions.
Initiated by Stepp Manufacturing, which required gigabit speeds for
continued operations
• Frontier’s project in Kandiyohi County pairs CAF II funding & state
grant to increase broadband to at least 25/3 to 701 locations on
existing plant, and FTTH capable of delivering 150/150 to 446
locations—both well above the 10/1 required for a CAF II build only
• Lismore Coop’s hybrid project in Nobles County improve
broadband using both FTTH delivering gigabit service to some areas
and fixed wireless connections to many more.
• Mille Lacs Electric Cooperative – partnered with a telephone co-op
to bring service to one of the least served counties in the state.
12. Border-to-Border Broadband Grant
Program
• The Governor recommends
$30 million per year in funding
– $5 million reserved specifically for
tribal and/or low-income areas in
Greater Minnesota.
• These applications would be eligible
for 75% in state matching grant
funds, since tribal and/or low-income
communities are often unable to
raise 50% of the total project cost.
13. 2016 Border to Border Broadband
Development Grant – Resources
Grant Information
http://mn.gov/deed/programs-services/broadband/grant-program
Interactive Eligibility Map
http://map.connectmn.org
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
http://mn.gov/deed/broadband