Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to mandate that Internet service providers in Minnesota offer affordable broadband Internet services to low-income residents. It aims to ensure that these individuals and families have access to necessary Internet connectivity.

Main Provisions

• Eligibility: The bill stipulates that any household receiving benefits from programs like the Minnesota Family Investment Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medical Assistance, or the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is eligible for low-cost broadband services.

• Service Offering: Broadband providers must offer a service with a minimum download speed of 25 megabits per second to eligible low-income consumers.

• Cost Structure: The bill caps the cost of broadband service for low-income consumers at $15 per month for 25 megabit per second service, and $20 per month for 200 megabit per second service, inclusive of all recurring taxes and fees.

• Price Adjustment: Providers may increase prices by the lower of either the consumer price index or 2% annually, with stipulations on the frequency of these increases based on the speed of the service plan.

• Promotion and Contract Terms: Providers are required to actively promote the availability of these low-income services and use consistent terms and conditions with their regular services, except for price and speed.

• Exceptions: Small providers servicing less than 20,000 households can be exempt if compliance would be financially challenging.

• Reporting and Accountability: Providers must submit annual compliance reports detailing service offerings, marketing efforts, and consumer statistics to ensure adherence to the bill’s requirements.

• Regulatory Oversight: The Public Utilities Commission, along with the Office of Broadband Development, will periodically review broadband speed benchmarks and eligibility criteria to potentially adjust as needed.

• Enforcement: The Minnesota Attorney General's office is responsible for enforcing these provisions.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This legislation introduces new obligations for broadband providers which were not previously mandated, specifically targeting the provision of affordable Internet services to low-income groups. It also establishes a new framework within Minnesota Statutes, requiring annual reporting and providing strict oversight and regulation by state authorities.

Relevant Terms

broadband, low-income, Internet service provider, download speed, Minnesota Family Investment Program, SNAP, Medical Assistance, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Public Utilities Commission, Office of Broadband Development, Attorney General.