Federal broadband funding could connect nearly 89,000 Minnesotans

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced on Wednesday, February 19, that nearly 89,000 homes and businesses could benefit from the the state’s $652 million federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) allocation by providing new high-speed broadband service.

“This is an exciting moment in our work to connect every Minnesotan to the high-speed broadband our communities depend on,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “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.”

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration previously accepted DEED’s proposed map of final eligible locations that BEAD funding could support, identifying 88,700 locations that qualify as unserved.

Internet service providers can now apply for grants to expand their broadband services. The pre-qualification period is open through February 27, 2025.

“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,” said Office of Broadband Development Executive Director Bree Maki. “Minnesota’s broadband sector has a strong national reputation, and we’re excited that our ongoing partnership with providers will better connect the Minnesotans we all serve.”

More information on the program can be found here.