Minnesota Broadband Expansion Could Benefit Becker County Residents

Nearly 89,000 homes and businesses across Minnesota, including parts of Becker County, could soon get high-speed broadband access, thanks to a $652 million federal investment through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) confirmed that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved the state’s broadband expansion plan. DEED’s updated broadband map identifies 88,700 locations statewide that are unserved or underserved—meaning they lack reliable high-speed internet.
Becker County residents can check the updated map online to see if their homes or businesses qualify. DEED is also opening a prequalification process for internet service providers, allowing them to apply for grants to extend broadband service.
“This is an exciting moment in our work to connect every Minnesotan to high-speed broadband,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “These investments will help our communities thrive.”
Locally, broadband expansion has already been a focus. Last year, a $3.9 million grant helped extend service to 40 unserved homes in Becker County, with the project expected to wrap up by summer. This new round of funding could bring even more residents online.
The prequalification period for service providers runs through February 27, with additional funding rounds happening this spring and summer. DEED’s final broadband expansion plan is expected to be submitted by October 3.
For more details, visit mn.gov/deed or check the Minnesota BEAD Challenge Map to see eligible locations.