MN HF1066

Allows local exchange carriers to petition the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for competitive market regulation in exchange service areas where they serve fewer than 50 percent of households and face competition, or more than 50 percent with significant competitive alternatives and no barriers to market entry.

Establishes a petition process with a 45-day objection period; petitions are deemed approved if unopposed, otherwise the commission must decide within 180 days based on competitive criteria.

Protects basic local service rates: frozen until January 1, 2018, then limited to $2.00 monthly increases with a $25.00 cap through December 31, 2022, and subject to commission review after January 1, 2023.

Creates an informal dispute resolution process allowing telecommunications service providers to petition the department to resolve disputes, with a 20-day investigation timeline and prohibition on service termination during the process.

Prohibits call routing practices that prevent calls from reaching local Minnesota providers and requires wholesale transport providers to register with the commission within 30 days, with registration information maintained on a public website.