Minn. Agencies Press for Lumen Service Quality Consequences

State agencies advised rejecting Lumen objections to an administrative law judge’s recommendation that the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission force the carrier to rehab its copper network to address reportedly widespread service quality problems. Lumen’s CenturyLink pushed back sharply earlier this month on the ALJ’s proposed findings and remedies (see 2404030012). Replying Friday in docket C-20-432, the Minnesota Office of Attorney General said, “The rosy picture of satisfied customers that CenturyLink presents is at odds with the evidence documenting the crackly reality wireline customers face.” The state Commerce Department agreed. “None of CenturyLink’s conclusory claims should cause the Commission to depart from the ALJ’s sound legal analysis,” rule interpretations and “findings that certain customers are not receiving adequate service and that certain facilities are failing to provide it.”