Minn. PUC: Lumen Must Promptly Rehab CenturyLink Network

Lumen’s CenturyLink violated Minnesota service quality rules and must quickly rehabilitate its network statewide, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission agreed 5-0 at a partly virtual Thursday meeting. "We have enough evidence in the record” showing a violation, said Chair Katie Sieben. Pointing to multiple photos of CenturyLink equipment in disrepair, Sieben added, “The company should have to repair equipment that looks like it's a disaster.” In addition, it should promptly repair all equipment causing service problems, the commission agreed. Commissioner John Tuma suggested delaying the effective date of the order to give the company more time to reach a settlement, but Sieben disagreed. Commissioner Valerie Means thinks it’s “unrealistic” to expect the company to reach a good agreement since it has already had many opportunities to negotiate. In addition to network rehab, the PUC required the carrier to halve its repair appointment windows to four hours and implement a preventative “plant pride” program. The PUC hasn't yet released the order. In April, the carrier pushed back sharply against a PUC administrative law judge’s recommendation requiring that it repair or replace copper. The company said it would cost “untold millions” (see 2404030012). “We do not believe the commission's decision is consistent with the law, the facts or the state's and our customers' interest in expanding high-speed fiber internet across Minnesota," said a Lumen spokesperson: The company hopes further talks "can lead to a more productive solution for all."