MN HF3679

Adds prohibition on telephone companies and telecommunications carriers from refusing to provide prorated refunds upon service cancellation and strengthens other existing prohibited practices related to service quality and discriminatory restrictions.

Requires local exchange carriers to provide immediate $25 credit to customers when repair technician fails to appear at scheduled appointment, applicable only if customer has provided prior notice that compromised health requires continued access to emergency services.

Mandates local exchange carriers notify customers within 45 days of service commencement and annually thereafter of their right to immediate credit for missed repair appointments through clearly legible written notice.

Modifies municipal telecommunications authority by allowing municipalities to enter joint ventures with telecommunications organizations and adds requirements that municipalities not discriminate against private competitors regarding public rights-of-way access, utility pole use, and permitting fees when operating communications facilities.

Clarifies that municipalities offering internet access facilities must maintain regulatory separation and prevent information sharing between employees regulating competing service providers and those operating the municipality's own communications services.