MS HB1506

Establishes a goal for Mississippi that all residents and businesses have access to broadband with minimum download speeds of 10-20 megabits per second and upload speeds of 5-10 megabits per second by 2020.

Authorizes counties and municipalities with median household incomes below 200% of federal poverty guidelines to enter into public-private partnerships with telecommunications providers to deliver broadband services to impoverished areas.

Designates the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services as the telecommunications backbone and central server, with satellite networks in each congressional district and local school districts serving as local hubs for broadband delivery.

Allows counties and municipalities to apply for loans and grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utility Service to fund broadband infrastructure development.

Establishes tax credits for telecommunications enterprises investing in broadband equipment: 5% for Tier One areas, 10% for Tier Two areas, and 15% for Tier Three areas, with credits available through 2020.