The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission posted a letter received from LTD

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) posted a letter from LTD Broadband president related to the revocation of their ETC designation…

Dear Mr. Seuffert,

I am writing on behalf of LTD Broadband, LLC (“LTD Broadband”) regarding the ETC expansion granted to us by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commision on June 3, 2021. We are requesting to relinquish this expansion as it pertains to the ETC designation for RDOF only as it was obtained as a requirement for our successful bids in the Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC”) Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (“RDOF”).

Our application for Authorization as it pertains to RDOF was specifically tied to the census blocks in which we were slated to receive RDOF support. However, subsequent developments have led to a change in circumstances. The Wireline Communications Bureau (“Bureau”) denied our RDOF “Long Form” application, which we then appealed to the FCC. Unfortunately, the FCC upheld the Bureau’s decision, resulting in LTD Broadband not receiving any RDOF support to provide service in the state.

This outcome has left us disappointed and puzzled, as the FCC’s decision seems to contradict the very purpose of RDOF: to connect unserved and underserved Americans. Given these developments, and in accordance with 47 U.S.C. § 214(e)(4) as well as Minnesota 7811.1400 ETC Designation in regards to relinquishment of universal service, which allows an ETC to relinquish authorization under certain conditions, we respectfully request to relinquish the authorization of ETC as it pertains to RDOF.

Please be aware that while this request pertains to our ETC Authorization designation for RDOF only, our CAF2 ETC designation remains in place. Also the unregulated broadband service provided under LTD Broadband remains available in the state, and this request for relinquishment of RDOF ETC designation will have no impact on those subscribers.