The TISP forums are always good. This should be no exception.

Telecommunications and Information Society Policy Forum presents
Minnesota Telephone Referendum Provision: Change It? Abolish It? Retain It?

Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs
Roy Wilkins Room (215)
310 19th Avenue South * Minneapolis, MN 55455

February 25, 2009 * 4:00 to 5:30 PM

A statutory provision (237.19) in Minnesota requires a municipality to hold a public referendum which passes by 65% if it wants to construct a new telephone exchange to offer telephone service and a local exchange already exists. That provision has a checkered history in Minnesota where some referenda have failed, some have first failed and then succeeded while others have succeeded at first attempt. Critics argue a referendum requirement and especially the 65% approval level creates an unjustifiable barrier to entry and has a chilling effect on the emergence of competitive new broadband services, especially since telephone service has become part of a larger package of broadband services from most providers. Supporters argue it is useful to require specific community approval.

Panelists (to be announced) will present their views followed by an open discussion. Please join us for what promises to be a lively discussion.

Please RSVP to tisp@umn.edu

The idea behind this Forum is simple and essential: purposeful exchange on key issues with engaged stakeholders to create a better information future.