The bill, H.F. No. 1971, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, proposes changes to telecommunications service requirements. It specifies that telephone companies and telecommunications carriers are not obligated to provide service in areas identified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as having telecommunications infrastructure capable of supporting voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) services.

Key Provisions: 1. Service Exemption: A telephone company or telecommunications carrier is not required to offer services in an area mapped by the FCC as having suitable VoIP infrastructure. 2. Notification Requirement: Companies opting not to provide service in such areas must: - Notify the Public Utilities Commission. - Inform affected customers of the dispute resolution process. 3. Dispute Resolution: - Customers disputing the FCC’s determination must notify the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development. - Within five business days, the Office must inform the relevant telecom company. - The telecom company has five business days to respond. - The state broadband director must decide on the dispute within 15 business days of receiving the company’s response. - If the director confirms the FCC’s designation, the company is relieved of service obligations. - If the director determines that the area lacks the necessary infrastructure, the company must continue providing service.

This bill aims to streamline service obligations based on broadband infrastructure availability while establishing a process for resolving customer disputes related to service accessibility.