Late last month Eagan published a Resolution in Support of a High Speed Minnesota Broadband Policy. In short it promotes the recommendations of the Minnesota Ultra High-Speed Broadband Task Force – although takes it even further in some cases. They encourage the Governor of Minnesota and State Legislature to do the following…

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  • Adopt a state law enacting a goal to ensure ubiquitous two-way gigabit across Minnesota by at least 2015.
  • Create and appoint a Broadband Policy Director for the State of Minnesota who will be responsible for coordinating the policies and activities necessary to achieving the state goal.
  • Establish as part of those responsibilities, that the Director would Chair a State Broadband Advisory Board charged with achieving statewide Gigabit access by at least 2015
  • Ensure that The State Broadband Advisory Board should include public and private stake holders who will:
    • Create a cohesive, comprehensive state-wide plan for the deployment of broadband services
    • Make recommendation on the policies, actions and investments necessary to achieving the state’s broadband goal.
    • Carefully preserve the option for the state, cities and counties to protest public rights of way and participate as investors in networks or as providers of telecommunications services if the private sectors is unable or unwilling to act, or if that best serves community needs.
    • Identify and recommend ways to eliminate obstacles to making broadband internet access ubiquitous in the state.
    • Identify and make recommendations to the state legislature that would support broadband goals including offering state subsidies and tax credits, and otherwise promoting broadband deployment.
    • Research innovative strategies and programs other state, countries and communities have used to provide gigabit broadband services ubiquitously and the impact it is having on communities.
    • Recommend specific action steps, assessments or legislation that will provide redundant capability to keep critical broadband infrastructure operational