Digital Opportunity

Connecting All Minnesotans

Broadband expansion projects across Minnesota improve the overall availability of high-speed internet service. To ensure all Minnesotans can connect, Minnesota must also address internet service affordability, device access, and digital skills. These three "digital inclusion" facets work together to build a "digitally equitable" Minnesota in which "all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy" (National Digital Inclusion Alliance). Through the federally funded Digital Equity Act, OBD was facilitating the development of a statewide digital opportunity plan to reduce gaps in access, device ownership, and digital skills.

Latest Updates

On May 9, 2025, DEED received notification from the federal government that it was immediately terminating the state’s $12 million grant from the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. This funding was intended to reduce gaps in broadband access and expand digital skills and technology availability. All states received the same notification of cancellation.

MN’s Digital Opportunity Plan, a deliverable from this program, focuses on ensuring every Minnesotan has the tools and skills needed to harness the full power of broadband and reap the benefits of a digital economy. The U.S. Department of Commerce had approved MN’s Digital Opportunity Plan as part of the federal Digital Equity Act in 2024.

Due to this federal action, DEED will not be able to provide grants to local governments, organizations and small businesses to ensure these Minnesotans have the tools and skills to access and use the internet and digital technology. DEED is also forced to halt a planned statewide network of local experts to ensure Minnesotans everywhere have equitable access to get online.

Please contact deed.broadband.equity@state.mn.us with any questions about changes to this program.
Read the Digital Opportunity Plan
On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) officially accepted MN’s Digital Opportunity Plan. Office of Broadband Development will use this plan to guide the implementation of a federal Digital Equity Capacity Grant in the coming years.
2023 Planning Timeline

2023 Planning Timeline

February 15

Mini-grant drop-in technical assistance office hours. See the RFP for the Teams link.

February 21

Webinar: Your Role in Creating MN's Digital Equity Plan. This will be recorded.

February 24

Mini-grant drop-in technical assistance office hours. See the RFP for the Teams link.

March 3

Deadline to submit mini-grant applications

April 3

Digital Connection Committee and grantee activities begin

April 12

Digital Connection Committee Informational Meeting

May 1 - 31

Digital Connection Committee 1:1 check-ins with OBD.

June 14

Digital Connection Committee Informational Meeting

June 30

Digital Connection Committee and grantee findings due

July 30

Grantee final reports due

August 21

Draft digital opportunity plan released for public comment

August 23

Digital Connection Committee meeting

August 29

Statewide digital opportunity listening sessions begin. Check out our tour schedule and meet us on the road! Registration is encouraged but not required.

September 29

Public comment period closes and listening sessions conclude

November

Final plan submitted to National Telecommunications and Information Administration for approval

More Details

For more information about each of these opportunities, please review the information in the sections below or contact Hannah.Buckland@state.mn.us or at 651-259-7267.
Digital Connection Committee Resources
The Role of Digital Connection Committee

To ensure the state's digital equity plan reflected the experiences of all Minnesotans, Digital Connection Committees were an essential piece of OBD's planning strategy and process. Self-selected Committees served as key partners as OBD collected information about local digital inclusion strengths, needs, and goals. Committees were formed by a variety of entities, including but not limited to political subdivisions, non-profits, anchor institutions, faith-based organizations, and Minnesota-based businesses. OBD communicated directly with Committees throughout the planning process.
Existing workgroups, committees, etc. focused on any aspect of digital inclusion were welcome to register. Committees representing one or more of the following populations were especially encouraged to participate:
- People from low-income households
- People age 60 or older
- People who are incarcerated
- Veterans
- People with disabilities
- People learning to speak or read English
- Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
- People living in rural communities
More Resources
These resources can help households with the monthly cost of broadband service and obtaining a device.

Reduced Rates for Broadband Service

Low Income Discount Service Offered by Providers

Below are links to low income discounts and/or programs offered by some of the larger broadband providers in Minnesota. Please note that your location will need to be within the service area of the provider to qualify for their discounted offering.
- Learn more about Arvig's program.
- Learn more about Comcast's program.
- Learn more about Charter's program.
- Learn more about Midcontinent's program.
- Learn more about Mediacom’s program.
- Learn more about Quantum Fiber's (Lumen) program.
- Learn more about Frontier's program.
Other Minnesota broadband providers may offer discounted pricing for broadband access as well. You may want to contact your provider directly to see if they offer any discounted programs and how to qualify.

Some Minnesota telephone companies offer the Lifeline discount for broadband service to low income households (discount of $9.25/month or $34.25/month in tribal areas) and/or other discounted pricing. If the telephone company serving your location also provides broadband service, you may want to contact them directly to see if they participate in the Lifeline program or offer a discounted service for eligible households.

PCs for People, in a partnership with Mobile Beacon, also offer a discounted 4G LTE wireless broadband service for approximately $15 per month to eligible low income households. More information on this program.

Discounted Computers

In addition to the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, Comcast offers discounted pricing on computers under its Internet Essentials program for residents in its coverage area. Another option for a low-cost computer is available through the nonprofit PCs for People. Reach them by phone at 651-354-2552 or visit one of their offices (St. Paul, Mankato, Grand Rapids and Brainerd).

Digital Literacy

CTEP Americorp bridges the "digital divide" for new Immigrants and low-income communities in Minneapolis and St. Paul. CTEP AmeriCorps members help youth and adults use technology to better access social, civic, educational and economic opportunities.
- View the locations that host a CTEP Americorp member
NTIA Toolkit

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce was responsible for overseeing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for broadband adoption and public computing centers. Using the early results of its evaluation of these projects, the NTIA put together this report to assist others to reach, educate and support people who are not yet online.
- View the NTIA Broadband Adoption Toolkit