By introducing new high-speed broadband service, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development ( DEED ) announced on February 19 that nearly 89 000 homes and businesses could benefit from the state’s$ 652 million federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment ( BEAD ) allocation.
DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek described this as an exhilarating development in our effort to provide the high-speed internet that all Minnesotans depend on. ” The significant figure that highlights the effect of DEED’s collaboration with the federal government and broadband services in our state is how our government’s BEAD funding will help us connect 89, 000 more Minnesota homes and businesses to wireless,” according to the statement.
Prior to now, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA ) had approved DEED’s proposed map of the final eligible locations that BEAD funding could support, listing 88,700 locations that fall under the category of unsettled.
Internet service providers can then submit applications for grants to develop their broadband service. The pre-qualification phase is available through February 27, 2025.
Bree Maki, the executive director of the Office of Broadband Development, stated,” We’re working as quickly as possible to find Minnesota’s Ring revenue to the companies who will help link more persons to high-speed bandwidth. The bandwidth industry in Minnesota has a strong reputation, and we’re excited that our ongoing relationship with companies will enhance our ability to connect the people we serve.
This page provides more details about the system.