St. Paul, Minnesota — At its September 17^th agenda meeting, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) certified the use of $250 million in Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rural broadband funding, finding that the funds spent in 2019 were used for their intended purpose. In taking this action, the Commission fulfills its requirement under federal law, and ensures that Minnesota telecommunication carriers can continue to receive this funding and further develop rural broadband networks in Minnesota.

“As partners to the federal government, the Commission ensures the funding is spent appropriately. Helping Minnesota residents and business access broadband is critically important as more Minnesotans are teleworking and some children must participate in school online due to the pandemic,” said Commission Chair Katie Sieben.

While the funds are federal, the FCC requires state commissions to annually review the use of this funding; otherwise telecommunication carriers risk not receiving it in future years.

When certifying the use of this funding, the Commission also took efforts to ensure Minnesota carriers would continue to collaborate with Minnesota tribal nations and would work to expand their outreach on low income voice and broadband programs. Carriers indicated their support for the Commission’s decision.

About

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates three cornerstone service industries in Minnesota's economy; electricity, natural gas and telephone. The Commission’s mission is to create and maintain a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State telecommunications and energy policies. It does so by providing independent, consistent, professional and comprehensive oversight and regulation of utility service providers. Learn more at mn.gov/puc

Please contact Will Seuffert, 651-201-2217 or will.seuffert@state.mn.us if you have any questions.