MN SF2529

Appropriates $450,000 in fiscal year 2015 from the general fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development for contracts to collect broadband deployment data from Minnesota providers and create state and county maps showing service availability at various speeds.

Requires verification of broadband data accuracy through on-the-ground testing and analysis to inform future broadband infrastructure investments.

Directs conducting business and residential surveys to measure broadband adoption and use in the state.

Appropriates $250,000 in fiscal year 2015 to evaluate future federal financial support for broadband infrastructure deployment in rural Minnesota and develop state strategies to maximize federal assistance.

Requires the commissioner to develop state policy alternatives to respond to possible changes in federal telecommunications regulation and funding reductions affecting rural broadband infrastructure deployment.