Several weeks ago, the Minnesota Department of Commerce reached out to the CGMC regarding a provision in the Senate omnibus commerce bill, SF 972, that would eliminate a requirement that telecommunications companies provide access to landline phone service to any Minnesotan who requests it.
This may not seem like a big deal with the availability of cellular service in most areas, but close to 1 million Minnesotan families and businesses still rely on landline service, particularly in Greater Minnesota. If this change is enacted, phone companies could drop customers because they do not generate enough profit. This could cause many Minnesotans, particularly seniors, to lose their ability to stay in touch with family or to call 911.
Telecommunications companies have been pushing for this change, arguing it would enable more broadband development. However, there is nothing in the proposed law change that encourages such investment.
Because of the significant impact this change to landline phone service could have on Greater Minnesotans, CGMC signed on to a guest column that explains why it should not move forward. The column was written by the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office and the Commissioner of Commerce and co-signed by AARP and Legal Aid.
If you have any questions regarding this issue, please contact CGMC lobbyist Elizabeth Wefel at eawefel@flaherty-hood.com.
