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 carrier‑of‑last‑resort duties on several requirements, as described on the record: the relevant FCC broadband maps must show an internet alternative at the customer address, affordability protections must be in place (a price cap tied to current rates and the existing Minnesota Lifeline credit), multiple communications from the incumbent must be provided to customers in advance of any transition, and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) must retain authority to reinstate obligations if the transition fails to protect consumers.

Industry witnesses from Lumen Technologies described recent copper thefts that disrupted repair efforts and argued the shift to fiber or other broadband technologies reduces theft risk and improves reliability. Dana Bailey, state and local government affairs director for Lumen, said the company is "committed to providing copper wire line service where customers don't have reliable broadband alternatives" and supported the bill’s protections for those who cannot obtain affordable VoIP.

The Department of Commerce, testifying through Sam Smith, supported the goal of preserving voice access but raised concerns the committee must resolve before finalizing policy. Smith identified mapping limitations — FCC maps are self‑reported by providers and subject to challenge only by agencies or nonprofits — the lack of PUC oversight of many VoIP providers because they are not required to hold Minnesota certificates of authority, and the potential for transition‑related costs such as installation fees that are not addressed in the bill text. The department urged clear, plain‑language notice and an ability for communities to request meetings if entire regions face loss of traditional service.

Other witnesses included the Minnesota Telecom Alliance, which said the bill is a first step toward modernizing landline regulation and urged approval, and Lumen operations staff who described the operational impacts of multiple theft incidents.

After questions from senators about affordability tests, notice timelines and PUC oversight, Senator Rasmussen moved that Senate File 2224 as amended be recommended to pass and referred to the Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate; the committee approved the motion.

The committee directed continued work with the Department of Commerce, the PUC and stakeholders on mapping accuracy, affordability measures and remedies where customers lack reliable alternatives.