MN HF3766

Increases minimum broadband speed goals from 10-20 megabits per second download and 5-10 megabits per second upload to 100 megabits per second download, with upload speeds no longer specified in the standard definition.

Extends the deadline for achieving universal broadband access from 2015 to 2026 for all state residents and businesses.

Modifies border-to-border broadband grant eligibility to prioritize unserved and underserved areas, and adds new priority criterion for businesses located outside the metropolitan area that demonstrate broadband service gaps are impeding growth.

Appropriates $100,000,000 in fiscal year 2017 from the general fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development for the border-to-border broadband fund account.

Maintains eight criteria for prioritizing grant awards including support for community institutions, telemedicine use, economic distress indicators, technical support, adoption promotion, community support, coverage of unserved/underserved areas, and leveraging additional funding.