Last week, I mentioned that the Minnesota PUC was looking for comments on the Petition of LTD Broadband LLC for Designation as an ETC. Today, I see that they got a comment…
A message from Brad Gustafson:
LTD’s RDOF award should be fully cancelled. This award has prevented local service providers from moving forward with local grants to distribute fiber. LTD does not have the knowledge of what it takes to build in our region with the amount of rock we have. They can not build for what they said they can. If they are allowed to move forward, the projects, if they ever start, will fail. It will also prevent local providers from expanding their services. Those residents then must wait the 10 years LTD would have to build out the region. I strongly feel LTD will not and cannot deliver on what they promise.
I am torn between posting these as I get them or as they come in. I think I will post as they come in but perhaps compile them all once the date for comment has passed (Aug 11) if there has been a big response.
I’m a little bit confused by Mr. Gustafson’s comment. I was under the impression that LTD’s RDOF funding was cancelled by the FCC last year. Isn’t the PUC’s action related to pulling LTD’s designation as a ETC, which they needed to have to receive the funds they’ve already been disqualified from getting? I thought the FCC’s ruling basically ended LTD’s ability to develop any projects they had originally been awarded. This comment would seem to suggest otherwise. Could you clarify, please? Thank you.
You are correct. The FCC rejected the LTD Broadband application in Aug 2022. Sometimes the passion of the comment is stronger than the knowledge. I imagine LTD will correct any confusion with a comment.
It’s a good reminder to me to let folks know that the comments are part of a conversation that is open to everyone.
More info on the FCC rejection: https://blandinonbroadband.org/2022/08/10/fcc-rejects-rdof-applications-of-ltd-broadband-and-starlink/
Thanks, Ann.