Committee advances bill to let carriers end copper service where affordable VoIP exists, amid mapping and consumer‑protection concerns

The Minnesota Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee voted on March 20, 2025 to recommend passage of Senate File 2224, a bill to reform carrier‑of‑last‑resort obligations and allow incumbent providers to transition customers from copper landline service to voice‑over‑internet‑protocol (VoIP) where specified criteria are met.

Senator Rasmussen, the bill’s author, told the committee the proposal aligns monopoly‑era telecom policy with state broadband goals while preserving service for Minnesotans who lack affordable VoIP alternatives. "This bill is really about improving the already happening transition from an outmoded copper wire service to high speed broadband while protecting consumers during the process," Rasmussen said.

The bill conditions an incumbent provider’s relief from…