(a) The council shall:
(1) research and monitor the progress of:
(A) broadband development in unserved areas;
(B) deployment of broadband statewide;
(C) purchase of broadband by residential and commercial customers; and
(D) patterns and discrepancies in access to broadband;
(2) identify barriers to residential and commercial broadband deployment in unserved areas;
(3) study:
(A) technology-neutral solutions to overcome barriers identified under Subdivision (2);
(B) industry and technology trends in broadband; and
(C) the detrimental impact of pornographic or other obscene materials on residents of this state and the feasibility of limiting access to those materials; and
(4) analyze how statewide access to broadband would benefit:
(A) economic development;
(B) the delivery of educational opportunities in higher education and public education;
(C) state and local law enforcement;
(D) state emergency preparedness; and
(E) the delivery of health care services, including telemedicine and telehealth.
(b) The council may research another matter related to broadband.

(c) For the purpose of performing its duties under this section, the council may consult with a representative of an institution of higher education who has published scholarly research on broadband.