PUBLIC HEARINGS NOTICE

CenturyLink Telephone Service Quality

Notice of public hearings for CenturyLink Minnesota customers

The Communications Workers of America (CWA) filed allegations with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) that Qwest Corporation d/b/a CenturyLink QC (CenturyLink) failed to meet service quality standards, included but not limited to:

• Delays in service installations, upgrades and repairs
• Maintenance of equipment
• Service interruptions

The MPUC referred the matter to the Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings for a contested case proceeding to examine service quality concerns raised by the CWA.  This proceeding relates to voice service and does not relate to broadband/internet services.

In-person and virtual public hearings will be held to listen to comments from members of the public and answer questions. Comments are encouraged to discuss CenturyLink’s performance related to voice service.  All comments received during these hearings will be considered by the MPUC when final decisions are made.

IN-PERSON PUBLIC HEARINGS

VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARINGS

To attend by internet connection (audio and video)

To join the virtual hearing using a computer, tablet or smart phone, where you will have audio and video capability, use the meeting information in the grid above to log into the hearing.

To attend by telephone (audio only)

If you do not have access to a computer, tablet, or smart phone, or if you would prefer to attend the hearing via audio only, you may join using any type of telephone. You do not need internet access to call into the hearing; however, you will only be able to hear (not see) the speakers. You will still be able to comment and ask questions. Use the meeting information in the grid above to dial into the hearing.

Directions for attending the meeting

• Log on 5 to 15 minutes before the hearing begins. You will be asked to join the hearing through a WebEx application or through a plug-in for your web browser.
• Enter the event number shown in the box above when prompted.
• Next, you will be asked to enter your name, your email address, and an event password. After entering this 
• information, click “join now” and you will be granted access to the virtual hearing. When you enter the hearing, your microphone will be muted.
• If you are using Webex online and would like to ask a question or make a comment during the meeting, use the Raise hand function to be placed in a queue to comment. If you are using the Webex application on a tablet or smartphone, use the Chat icon and send a message to the meeting moderator to indicate that you would like to speak. When it is your turn to comment, your name will be called, and your microphone will be unmuted. You will then be able to ask questions or make a comment.
• You may call in on your telephone and listen to the meeting using the login information above. If you would like to ask a question or make a comment during the meeting, press *3 on your telephone. You will then be placed into the queue to comment. When it is your turn to speak, the last few digits of your telephone number will be announced by the moderator and your line will be unmuted, allowing you to be heard. When you have finished speaking, press *3 again to remove yourself from the queue.
• If you have questions about participating in the meeting, please contact Sally Anne McShane or Marc Fournier at the MPUC (contact information below).

To find out if a hearing is canceled, call (toll free) 855-731-6208 or visit mn.gov/puc.

PUBLIC HEARING AND PROCESS INFORMATION

Administrative Law Judge Kimberly Middendorf will preside over the public hearings and will provide the MPUC a report with findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations after the conclusion of the evidentiary hearings. Members of the public may participate without intervening as a party. Representation by legal counsel is permitted but not required.

Please note that the public hearings will end once everyone has had the opportunity to comment and all other business has concluded. You are encouraged to join the meeting at the scheduled start time to be placed on the queue to comment. Commenters will be called in the order they enter the queue. Therefore, it is advantageous to arrive at the beginning of the hearing.

Written comments may be submitted during the comment period before and after the public hearings. Follow the instructions below to provide written comment.

Please contact Sally Anne McShane at 651-201-2224 or sally.anne.mcshane@state.mn.us or Marc Fournier at 651-201-2214 or marc.fournier@state.mn.us if you have questions about how to participate.

WRITTEN COMMENTS TO THE MINNESOTA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

You can submit comments even if you do not attend a public hearing.

Comment Period

Comments accepted through August 31, 2023, at 4:30 p.m.

• Comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. on the close date.
• Comments received after the comment period closes may or may not be considered in the MPUC’s decision.

How to submit a written comment

Written comments can be submitted via: (1) the MPUC’s website; (2) electronic mail; (3) U.S. Mail; or (4) fax. To learn how to submit a comment in any of these ways, please visit https://mn.gov/puc/get-involved/public-comments/. This will take you to the Public Comment page, where you will find a list of ways to comment. Be sure to reference MPUC Docket No. 20-432 in the subject line of your comment.

If you do not have access to the internet, you may send or deliver your comment to:

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission

Attn: Consumer Affairs Office

121 7th Place East, Ste. 350

St. Paul, MN 55101

Important: Comments can be reviewed by the public on the MPUC’s website, except in limited circumstances consistent with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. The MPUC does not edit or delete personally identifying information or any other information from comments received.

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