Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to update telecommunications service obligations in Minnesota. It specifically addresses the requirements for telephone companies or telecommunications carriers to provide services in areas identified as having internet-based voice services.

Main Provisions

• Service Requirement Exemption:

  • The bill states that telephone companies or telecommunications carriers are not required to offer services in areas where the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) indicates that there is already infrastructure to support voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services.

• Notification Requirements:

  • Companies that choose not to offer services in such areas must inform the Public Utilities Commission and notify customers about their right to dispute the FCC’s infrastructure determination.

• Dispute Resolution Process:

  • The Office of Broadband Development is tasked with handling disputes. If a customer disagrees with the FCC's report that an area has the necessary infrastructure, they can file a dispute.
  • Upon receiving a dispute, the Office of Broadband Development must notify the relevant company, which then has to respond within five business days.
  • The state broadband director must resolve the dispute within 15 business days, determining whether the FCC's information is accurate.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Relief from Service Obligation:
  • This bill allows telecommunications entities relief from state service obligations in areas recognized by the FCC as having alternative VoIP infrastructure.
• Role of the Office of Broadband Development:
  • This office is given a formal role in the dispute resolution process regarding service availability and infrastructure claims by the FCC.

Relevant Terms

• Telecommunications carriers
• Telephone companies
• Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
• Office of Broadband Development
• Public Utilities Commission
• Infrastructure mapping
• Dispute resolution