MN HF974

Establishes the "Equal Access to Broadband Act" and updates the definition of broadband service to align with Federal Communications Commission standards for high-speed Internet access

Authorizes local governments (cities and towns) to require broadband providers to obtain franchises or municipal authorization to operate within their jurisdictions, including compliance with regulations on above-ground or underground line placement

Permits local franchising authorities to charge broadband providers fees of up to 5% of gross revenues, plus an additional 3% for local programming support if the authority operates an access channel

Excludes electric cooperatives, providers offering exclusively personal wireless service, and satellite-only broadband providers from the franchise requirements

Explicitly separates broadband service from telecommunications service under state law, removing broadband providers from telecommunications right-of-way user regulations while granting cities explicit authority to franchise right-of-way occupants and users