Today the Minnesota Legislature passed the Minnesota Broadband Bill. Here are the highlights:
Universal access and high-speed goal. It is the goal of this state that, no later than 2015, all state residents and businesses have access to broadband that provides download speeds of no less than ten megabits per second and upload speeds of no less than five megabits per second.
State broadband leadership position. It is the goal of this state that by 2015, and continuing thereafter: (1) the proportion of Minnesota residents and businesses having access to broadband ranks among the five states in the United States and the 15 nations globally that have the highest proportion of that measure; and (2) Minnesota ranks among the five states in the United States with the highest broadband speed that is universally accessible to state residents and businesses.
Annual reports. By February 10, 2011, and each year thereafter, the commissioner of commerce shall submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees with primary jurisdiction over telecommunications policy measuring the progress made towards achieving the goals under subdivisions 1 and 2. The report must identify any barriers impeding the achievement of the goals, suggest strategies to overcome those barriers, and estimate the cost of implementing those strategies.
Advisory group. By July 1, 2010, the commissioner of commerce shall appoint and convene a broadband advisory group consisting of no more than 15 members representing suppliers and users of broadband goods and services. Members serve without compensation at the pleasure of the commissioner. The broadband advisory group shall meet at the call of the chair, and shall seek public input. The broadband advisory group shall advise the commissioner of commerce and the house of representatives and senate committees with primary jurisdiction over telecommunications policy regarding strategies to achieve the goals under subdivision 1. This subdivision expires June 30, 2015.