NTIA Approves Minnesota’s Unserved Locations Map
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has approved The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)’s final map of eligible locations, identifying 88,700 sites classified as unserved. The final interactive map is available here.
This mapping ensures that funds are directed to communities most in need of broadband access.
A BEAD Funding Milestone
DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek emphasized the significance of this funding, stating, “This is an exciting moment in our work to connect every Minnesotan to the high-speed broadband our communities depend on. Our state’s BEAD funding will help us connect 89,000 more Minnesota homes and businesses to broadband – a huge figure that shows the impact of DEED’s partnership with the federal government and broadband providers in our state.”
With this funding, DEED aims to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that even the most rural areas have access to the internet speeds necessary for modern work, education, and communication.
Internet Providers Invited to Prequalify
To efficiently allocate BEAD funding, DEED’s Office of Broadband Development is inviting internet service providers to submit prequalification information regarding their plans to expand broadband services. This step allows DEED to assess provider eligibility quickly, ensuring a smooth grant allocation process.
Providers interested in applying for BEAD grants can find additional details on DEED’s website under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program section. The prequalification application deadline is February 27, 2025.
Moving Ahead Quickly
By streamlining the prequalification process, Minnesota DEED’s strategy is to streamline the grant process, to ensure the process moves as quickly as possible.
Bree Maki, Executive Director of the Office of Broadband Development, said in a statement: “We’re working as quickly as possible to get Minnesota’s BEAD funding to the providers that will help connect more people to high-speed broadband.”
Timeline for BEAD Grant Distribution
Following the prequalification phase, DEED will move on to three rounds of subgrantee selection. This phase, for BEAD grants, will happen over in the spring and summer of 2025. The ultimate goal is to submit Minnesota’s final BEAD proposal to the NTIA by October 3, 2025.
These steps mark critical milestones in the state’s broadband expansion efforts, reinforcing Minnesota’s commitment to digital equity and economic development through improved internet connectivity.
Overall Progress in Granting BEAD Funds
Other states have already begun awarding BEAD funds, with Arkansas, Louisiana, and Washington State recently announcing grants, and the closing of bidding rounds in their state efforts to expand broadband access. These states are further along in the funding process. Minnesota, however, is still in the earlier stages, focusing on prequalification and preparing for upcoming grant distribution rounds.
Looking Ahead for Minnesota BEAD
The BEAD funding represents a transformative opportunity for Minnesota. A majority of the state qualifies as unserved. The BEAD program is a major step in ensuring that all residents and businesses can access reliable, high-speed broadband.
For the latest updates and to see if your home or business qualifies, visit the Minnesota BEAD Challenge Map on DEED’s official website.
