Minn. Seeks Comment on BEAD Proposal

Minnesota is seeking to maximize fiber use while stretching funding “as far as possible” with NTIA’s broadband equity, access and deployment (BEAD) program, the state said in volume two of its draft initial proposal. Minnesota’s state broadband office wants comments by Dec. 12 on both volumes of the draft for NTIA’s BEAD program, NTIA said Tuesday. “The extremely high cost per location threshold (EHCPLT) will not be set until at least the first two subgrantee selection rounds are completed, as it will be used to ensure that limited funds are used efficiently and that the State’s service goals are met,” said the second volume draft. “Given the anticipated funding shortfall, the State will have to strategically set its EHCPLT to achieve its dual goals of maximizing the use of fiber and optimizing available funding to reach all unserved, and as many underserved locations as possible.”