I have been following the saga of MN PUC looking at looking at (not a typo) revoking LTD Broadband’s ETC designation as requested by Minnesota Rural Electric Association and Minnesota Telecom Alliance. MinnPost recently wrote a helpful article on what’s been happening and why it matters. The very quick take is that LTD Broadband qualified to apply for a lot of federal funding. It kid terms, they had dibs on that funding, which meant no one else was able to apply. The federal opportunity fell through. LTD needed the ETC designation from the PUC to qualify for the funds, which they had. But in light of what happened MTA and MREA are asking the MN PUC to reconsider that designation.
On September 21, the MN PUC has this issue on their agenda (below). There are two items that follow this topic on the full agenda that aren’t broadband-related.
- Details 2023-143
** P999/PR-23-8
Local Exchange Carriers;
Eligible Telecommunications Carriers
In the Matter of Annual Certification Related to Eligible Telecommunications Carriers’ (ETCs) Use of the Federal Universal Service Support Required Pursuant to C.F.R. 54.313.
Does the Commission have sufficient documentation through the filed FCC Form 481 to be assured that the high-cost funds received by each ETCs have been, and will be, used for their intended purpose, pursuant to 47 C.F.R. § 54.314? (PUC: Fournier) - Details 2022-105
** P558,6995/M-22-221; P6995/M-21-133
LTD Broadband; Minnesota Rural Electric Association; Minnesota Telecom Alliance
In the Matter of a Petition to Initiate a Proceeding to Revoke the Expanded Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (“ETC”) Designation of LTD Broadband, LLC (“LTD”) and Deny LTD’s Funding Certification for 2023.
1. Should the Commission lift the January 18, 2023, stay of this proceeding issued by the ALJ?
2. Should the Commission grant the MREA and MTA’s (Petitioners’) motion to suspend LTD’s RDOF ETC designation previously granted by the Commission? (PUC: Fournier, McShane) 3. Details 2021-061 ** E002/M-20-711 Xcel Ener
The meeting is hybrid. The basic details are below. Visit the PUC announcement for more info, especially if you are interested in commenting.
NOTICE OF COMMISSION AGENDA MEETING – HYBRID FORMAT
Issued: September 8, 2023
Items on the attached agenda will be heard at the Commission’s regularly scheduled meeting.
DATE: Thursday, September 21, 2023 TIME: 10:00am
LOCATION: Large Hearing Room, 121 7th Pl E, Suite 350, St. Paul, MN 55101
AND Online via WebEx, See attached instructions
TO FIND OUT IF A MEETING IS CANCELED OR RESCHEDULED: Call (toll-free) 1-855-731-6208 or 651-201-2213 or visit mn.gov/puc
TO CHANGE YOUR MAILING PREFERENCES: E-mail docketing.puc@state.mn.us or call 651-201-2234
TO MAKE AN ACCOMODATION REQUEST: If reasonable accommodations are needed to enable you to fully participate in a Commission meeting such as sign language or large print materials, please call 651-296- 0406 or 1-800-657-3782 at least one week in advance of the meeting or email consumer.puc@state.mn.us for assistance.