Broadband Initiative Stimulus Partnership Meeting

April 21, 2009

Blandin Broadband InitiativeTo ensure a high quality of life and a

globally competitive future for its citizens, businesses and

communities, Minnesota is committed to making the necessary

investment to become a world leader in the universal deployment and use of ultra high-speed next generation

broadband

Goals• Increase understanding, capability and

urgency of Minnesota’s leadership about the need to enhance Minnesota’s always-on, universal telecommunications network.

• Stimulate timely and effective public and private investment in rural networks and application.

• Maximize the value of Internet connectedness for rural residents, businesses and communities.

Pre-Meeting Survey ResultsWho’s Interested?

Pre-Meeting Survey ResultsOur Organization is:

Federal Broadband Stimulus Funds

• Three Key Programs– Department of Commerce – NTIA• $4.7 Billion • $350 for mapping and community development

– Department of Agriculture – RUS• $2.5 Billion

NTIA – Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP)

• $3.75 B for competitive grants for community oriented networking needs– Unserved– Underserved– High value targets – schools, libraries, health care

• $200 M for public computer center capacity• $250 M for “sustainable adoption of broadband

service• $350 M for broadband mapping and other activities

USDA Rural Utility Service• $2.5 B for:– RUS Community Connect Grant Program– Rural Development Broadband Loan and Loan

Guarantee Program

• Rural Focus:– 75% of area served shall be in a rural area w/o

sufficient access to facilitate rural economic development

Other Opportunities• Transportation infrastructure funds• Public housing infrastructure• Energy efficient housing retrofits• School construction• Smart grid• Health information

Blandin FoundationCurrent Stimulus Thinking

• Goal– Bring more federal BB resources to rural communities!

• Premise– Build on our successful experience w/ proven programs

• Community Broadband Resources/Get Broadband• LightSpeed• Network Feasibility Studies

• Model– Implement through partnerships to be determined

Blandin Commitment• Blandin Foundation brings– Match– Grant management experience– Broadband experience

• Prospective partner roles– Match– Staff capacity for regional/local implementation– Project development

Discussion

Next Steps