The Minnesota Senate Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development convened on January 29, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding broadband access across the state. The meeting featured a presentation by Bridal Mackie, Executive Director of the Office for Broadband Development at the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

Mackie provided an overview of the office's activities, highlighting the importance of broadband access in rural areas. She noted that the office has been operational for over ten years, focusing on statutory goals to improve connectivity. The office supports the governor's task force on broadband and conducts extensive data mapping to track progress and identify areas in need of service.

In 2024, the office celebrated its tenth anniversary and conducted 81 site visits to ensure compliance with state infrastructure spending. Mackie reported that 34 border-to-border grants were awarded, totaling over $58 million, aimed at enhancing broadband access in lower population density areas. Despite these efforts, as of December 2024, there remain 143 households and businesses without access to the minimum broadband standard of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds.

Mackie emphasized the need for additional funding to meet the state's broadband goals, particularly the target of universal access to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload speeds by 2026. A recent cost analysis indicated that achieving universal wireline coverage would require over $2 billion, far exceeding current funding levels.

The meeting also addressed the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, which allocates nearly $652 million in federal funds for broadband expansion. Mackie outlined the timeline for submitting proposals and emphasized the importance of prioritizing unserved locations before addressing underserved areas.

In addition to infrastructure grants, the office is working on digital equity initiatives, including a $12 million allocation for digital equity grants aimed at addressing barriers to internet access. Mackie highlighted the office's commitment to engaging with communities to understand their needs and develop effective solutions.

The committee members expressed appreciation for the updates and the ongoing efforts to improve broadband access in Minnesota, recognizing the critical role of reliable internet service in supporting rural development and economic growth.