The message is short, but sweet…
The Minnesota Broadband Bill was signed into law Monday (April 26, 2010) by Governor Pawlenty.
And just for the archive, here is the text that was presented to the Governor according to the Minnesota Session Law site…
CHAPTER 277–H.F.No. 2907
An act relating to communications; setting state goals for the deployment and speed of high-speed broadband; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 237.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:Section 1. [237.012] BROADBAND GOALS.
Subdivision 1. Universal access and high-speed goal. It is a state goal that as soon as possible, but no later than 2015, all state residents and businesses have access to high-speed broadband that provides minimum download speeds of ten to 20 megabits per second and minimum upload speeds of five to ten megabits per second. Subd. 2. State broadband leadership position. It is a goal of the state that by
2015 and thereafter, the state be in:
(1) the top five states of the United States for broadband speed universally accessible to residents and businesses;
(2) the top five states for broadband access; and
(3) the top 15 when compared to countries globally for broadband penetration.
Subd. 3. Annual reports. The commissioner of commerce must annually by February 10 report on the achievement of the goals under subdivisions 1 and 2 to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with primary jurisdiction over telecommunication issues. The report on goals under subdivision 1 must be made through 2015.
Here is the official news from the Session Daily: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessionweekly/art.asp?ls_year=86&issueid_=58&storyid=1877&year_=2010
By: Ann Treacy on May 1, 2010
at 7:20 am
For a little more background, read Rick King’s editorial in the Grand Forks Herald. He does a nice job of highlighting the potential impact on rural Minnesota: http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/159821/
By: Ann Treacy on May 3, 2010
at 2:44 pm
[...] The Minnesota News Connection recently posted an article on the good news about the Minnesota Broadband Bill – it passed and strives for ubiquitous access. But they also point out the bad news – there’s [...]
By: Rural Minnesota needs bigger boost « Blandin on Broadband on May 12, 2010
at 6:41 pm
[...] tool for reaching MN broadband goals I was talking with folks just yesterday about the Minnesota Broadband Bill. The Minnesota Ultra High-Speed Task Force wrote a good report. It often gets distilled down to the [...]
By: USF tool for reaching MN broadband goals « Blandin on Broadband on June 4, 2010
at 7:10 am
[...] poised to be at the forefront of the broadband arena based on the goals set out by the recent Minnesota Broadband Bill. Here are some quick (abridged) highlights… While Minnesota and the Unites States were once [...]
By: Sheldon Johnson on Minnesota’s broadband potential « Blandin on Broadband on June 7, 2010
at 8:56 am
[...] serving Minnesota I’ve been trying to keep an eye on what’s happening in terms of the Minnesota Broadband Bill across the state. I must admit, I haven’t seen a ton happening at the State level – but it’s [...]
By: Local Providers serving Minnesota « Blandin on Broadband on June 15, 2010
at 9:25 pm
[...] Service Funds to increase ubiquitous, affordable broadband. The second approach builds upon the Minnesota Broadband Bill… The second goal is for all communities in the region of 500 residents or more to have [...]
By: Northwest Minnesota focuses on broadband « Blandin on Broadband on October 21, 2010
at 1:28 pm
We don’t want to be left out! Residents along Deer Drive on the east shore of Long Lake are not served by ACS, as they have essentially “cherry-picked” easier access to potential customers around Long Lake. So, we just have the old copper phone lines by Quest and see no future for decent internet access. Please be sure to include Deer Drive residents at Long Lake in Hubbard County. Thank You!
By: Ken Baumgartner on November 13, 2010
at 7:32 pm
Ken,
I wish I could make some promises – but I’m just the messenger – however I think it’s very powerful for policymakers to hear from folks who are left unserved!
Thanks! Ann
By: Ann Treacy on November 13, 2010
at 7:59 pm