This is an ongoing saga that many of us are watching closely and some might want a little recap…

The Minnesota PUC decided to continue to move forward looking at revoking LTD Broadband’s ETC designation. (Background: LTD was awarded an opportunity to apply for$311 million in federal RDOF funding. They needed the ETC designation from the MN PUC to qualify; industry folks asked the MN PUC to rethink their designation because there were concerns about LTD being able to fulfill the contract. Last month, their application for RDOF was rejected.)

Here’s the latest update…

LTD requested that this matter be stayed pending LTD’s appeal of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) denial of its Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) long-form application. Minnesota Telecom Alliance (MTA) and Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) (together, Petitioners), the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Office of the Attorney General-Residential Utilities Division argue that this matter should proceed to hearing. The parties filed letters in support of their respective positions and the record on the parties’ requests closed on October 18, 2022, the date the last letter was filed.

On January 18, 2023, the MN PUC decided…

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT: 1. These proceedings are STAYED pending a ruling by FCC on LTD’s appeal of the denial of its long-form application. 2. LTD shall serve and file a status report every 120 days beginning on February 1, 2023. 3. A prehearing conference will be held by telephone on March 6, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. to review the status of the case. A

They also decided (also Jan 18) …

On September 16, 2022, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) filed a Motion to Intervene (Motion). LTD filed an objection to the Motion on September 23, 2022. Based on all the files and proceedings of the matter, the Administrative Law Judge makes the following: [185245/1] 2 ORDER 1. The Motion of Institute for Local Self-Reliance is GRANTED. 2. The Institute for Local Self-Reliance is admitted to this proceeding as a full party. 3. The Institute for Local Self-Reliance will file a Notice of Appearance at its earliest convenience but in no event later than January 27, 2023.

And on January 19, Taft et al withdrew as LTD Broadband’s Counsel…

Please take notice that as of January 19, 2023, and pursuant to Minn. R. 1400.5700, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP hereby withdraws as counsel for LTD Broadband, LLC. LTD Broadband, LLC’s address is PO Box 3064, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 and its phone number is (507) 369-2669.