Kansas Broadband & Telecom News - February 2025
Global Crossing Companies To Cease Providing Services In Kansas On June 24, 2025
February 28, 2025 – Global Crossing Local Services, Inc. and Global Crossing Telecommunications, Inc. have filed a joint application notifying the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) of the companies’ intent to cease providing services in Kansas. Specifically, the Global Crossing companies intend to cease providing local exchange and interexchange services in Kansas on June 24, 2025. Global Crossing Local Services, Inc. is seeking approval to discontinue local exchange services. Global Crossing Telecommunications, Inc. is seeking approval to discontinue interexchange services. The companies explain that the discontinuances will have minimal impact because they serve a limited number of subscribers, and those customers will have ample time to transition to another service provider that provides the discontinued services. The companies state that as of November 27, 2024, they had only 10 total customers in Kansas. The KCC Docket Number for the proceeding is 25-GCLT-334-CCS.
KCC Opens Docket For Certifications Of Compliance With Section 254(e) & Appropriate Use of Kansas Universal Service Fund Support
February 27, 2025 – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has opened a docket covering annual certifications of the use of universal service fund (USF) support. Pursuant to 47 U.S.C. section 254(e), carriers that receive Federal USF support must certify that “such support shall use that support only for the provision, maintenance, and upgrading of facilities and services for which the support is intended.” Carriers that receive Kansas USF support must certify that such support has been used appropriately. The KCC Docket Number for the proceeding is 25-GIMT-332-GIT.
Formal Complaint Filed Against Everfast Fiber Networks Alleges Ongoing Outage
February 25, 2025 – A formal complaint has been filed with the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) against Everfast Fiber Networks, a communications provider serving the Kansas City metro area. The complainants allege an outage that began on February 7, 2025, has not been fixed, and seek restoration of their landline phone service. The KCC Docket Number for the proceeding is 25-EFNT-330-COM. The facts and circumstances included in the complaint are as follows:
“We have had no line (phone/landline) since Feb. 7, 2025, more than 2 wks. This outage affects all 500 of the residents of our retirement community, Lakeview Village, 9100 Park, and our own apartment.”
AT&T Kansas Requests KCC Approval Of Interconnection Agreement With Brightspeed Broadband
February 19, 2025 – Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, LLC d/b/a AT&T Kansas has filed an application requesting the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) approve and interconnection agreement with Brightspeed Broadband, LLC. AT&T Kansas states that its interconnection agreement with Brightspeed was executed on December 17, 2024, and that “[t]here are no outstanding issues between the parties that need the assistance of mediation or arbitration.” AT&T Kansas further states that it “represents and believes in good faith that the implementation of the agreement is consistent with the public interest, convenience and necessity and does not discriminate against any telecommunications carrier.” The KCC Docket Number for the proceeding is 25-SWBT-323-IAT.
Blue Valley Tele-Communications, Inc. Requests Waiver Of KCC Billing Standards To Send Service Suspension & Disconnection Notices Via Email
February 14, 2025 – Blue Valley Tele-Communications, Inc. has filed an application with the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) requesting a waiver of Sections IV.D.(1) and (2) of the KCC’s Telecommunications Billing Practice Standards. Sections IV.D.(1) and (2) require telecommunications carriers to give a subscriber seven calendar days written notice, sent via U.S. mail, before suspending or disconnecting service. Blue Valley is requesting a waiver to allow it “to substitute electronic mailing of notices of suspension or disconnection of service.” The KCC has previously granted similar waivers from these standards (Docket No. 11-RRLT-188-MIS; Docket No. 15-MRGT-110-MIS; Docket No. 25-HVDT-204-MIS; and Docket No. 25-RNBT-212-MIS). Blue Valley currently allows new customers to initiate service via electronic means, and offers subscribers the option to choose electronic delivery of their monthly bills. The Company states that its costs “to process and mail the paper disconnect notices for the 2024 calendar year was $943.63.” The KCC Docket Number for the proceeding is 25-BLVT-321-MIS.
KCC Staff Recommends Increasing Cunningham Telephone Company’s Annual Kansas Universal Service Fund Draw
February 13, 2025 – Staff of the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC or Commission) have filed testimony and supporting data in response to Cunningham Telephone Company Inc.’s request to increase its annual amount of Kansas Universal Service Fund (KUSF) support.
In October 2024, Cunningham filed an application requesting a $1,050,573 increase to its annual amount of KUSF support. Cunningham’s pro-rated annual support amount for KUSF year 28 (June 2024 - Feb 2025) was $718,902. Cunningham requested that the test year for its application be the year ending December 31, 2023. The KCC Docket Number for the proceeding is 25-CNHT-185-KSF.
KCC Staff has reviewed Cunningham’s cost study and pro forma adjustments to revenues, expenses, and plant in service to capture pro forma changes, as well as other information. KCC Staff’s proposed level of cost-based KUSF support after incorporating its adjustments to Cunningham’s data is as follows:
“The total effect of Staff’s recommended adjustments results in an intrastate revenue increase of $599,781 and an equal increase to the Company’s current KUSF support. Therefore, Staff recommends the Commission set Cunningham’s KUSF draw to $1,319,473. Below is a chart comparing the Company’s filed position and Staff’s recommendation for net intrastate rate base, requested rate of return on assets, pro forma intrastate income, and the level of KUSF support.”
Direct Testimony of Katie L. Figgs, Docket 25-CNHT-185-KSF, p. 6.
Consolidated Communications Enterprise Services, Inc. Converts To LLC, Requests Name Change
February 13, 2025 – Consolidated Communications Enterprise Services, Inc. has filed an application with the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) requesting its legal name be changed from a corporation to an LLC on all official KCC records and documents. In January 2025, Consolidated Communications Enterprise Services, Inc. converted from a Delaware corporation to a Delaware limited liability company, resulting in a change to its legal name. The company has a Certificate of Convenience and Authority to provide interexchange services. The company states that the change in form and name “will not affect the rates, terms or conditions of service” that it provides. The KCC Docket Number for the proceeding is 25-COSC-317-CCN.
Supreme Court Sets March 26th Oral Argument In The Consumers’ Research Proceedings Involving The Constitutionality Of The Universal Service Fund
February 10, 2025 – The U.S. Supreme Court has announced it will hold oral arguments in FCC et al. v. Consumers’ Research and Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition et al. v. Consumers’ Research on Wednesday March 26, 2025 at 10:00 am. Under the Supreme Court’s oral argument rules, both the petitioners and respondents are given 30 minutes, for a total of one hour. However, the Court has divided the 30 minute oral argument time for the petitioners as follows:
20 minutes for the federal petitioners in No. 24-354 (Federal Communications Commission and the United States of America )
10 minutes for private petitioners in No. 24-422 (Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition, Competitive Carriers Association (CCA), National Telecommunications Cooperative Association dba NTCA (NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association), USTelecom-The Broadband Association, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, National Digital Inclusion Alliance, and Center for Media Justice dba MediaJustice)
The federal petitioners will open the argument and present rebuttal
KCC Opens Docket For 47 C.F.R. § 51.917(d)(1)(vii) Compliance Filings
February 7, 2025 – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has opened Docket No. 25-GIMT-310-CPL for 47 C.F.R. § 51.917(d)(1)(vii) compliance filings. Section 51.917(d)(1)(vii) of the FCC’s rules requires a cost-based rate-of-return carrier to certify that it is not seeking duplicative recovery in the state jurisdiction for any “Eligible Recovery” subject to the recovery mechanism and provide such certification to the FCC and to its state utility regulatory commission. Section 51.917(d)(1)(vii) of the FCC’s rules contains the following language:
If a Rate-of-Return Carrier recovers any costs or revenues that are already being recovered as Eligible Recovery through Access Recovery Charges or the Connect America Fund from another source, that carrier’s ability to recover reduced switched access revenue from Access Recovery Charges or the Connect America Fund shall be reduced to the extent it receives duplicative recovery. Any duplicative recovery shall be reflected as a reduction to a carrier’s Eligible Recovery calculated pursuant to § 51.917(d). A Rate-of-Return Carrier seeking revenue recovery must annually certify as part of its tariff filings to the Commission and to the relevant state commission that the carrier is not seeking duplicative recovery in the state jurisdiction for any Eligible Recovery subject to the recovery mechanism.
Wheat State Telephone Company Revises General Exchange Tariff
February 4, 2025 – Wheat State Telephone Company has filed revisions to its General Exchange Tariff with the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC). In its filing, Wheat State is revising its “bundle services rates to reflect the upcoming March 1, 2025 local rate change as ordered by the Commission in Docket No. 25-GIMT-141-GIT.” The KCC Docket Number for the proceeding is 25-WHST-308-TAR.
KCC Names Abigail Emery As Acting Secretary To The Commission
February 1, 2025 – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has named Abigail Emery as “Acting Secretary” to the Commission, effective February 1, 2025. This official action was made during the KCC’s open meeting on January 30, 2025. Minutes from the meeting contain the details of the appointment, as well as Ms. Emery’s duties as the KCC’s Acting Secretary:
Discussion Item: Discussion and potential action on delegating certain KCC Executive Director ministerial duties.
Pursuant to K.S.A 74-629, 74-630, and 74-631, Chairperson French moved the Commission to designate Abigail Emery as Acting Secretary to the Commission, effective February 1, 2025. In that capacity, Ms. Emery will assume the following responsibilities currently designated under our bylaws to the Executive Director: (1) assign docket numbers (K.A.R. 82-1-219); (2) affix the official signature of the Commission and the official seal of the Commission to all orders, certificates, permissions, approvals, licenses, permits, warrants, subpoenas, or any process or instrument, including minutes of Commission meetings (K.A.R. 82-1-232); (3) receive service of petitions for judicial review (K.S.A. 77-613); (4) pursuant to K.A.R. 82-1-206, all written communications to the commission shall be addressed to the Acting Secretary and all communications and documents properly addressed or filed shall be deemed to be officially received by the commission when actually delivered to the Acting Secretary (K.A.R. 82-1-206); and (5) other ministerial functions as identified by the Chair of the KCC. Ms. Emery’s email address is Abigail.Emery@ks.gov.
Commissioner Kuether seconded the motion.
The motion was approved.
ETC Tracker: 10 ETC Applications Currently Pending Before The Kansas Corporation Commission
February 1, 2025 – There are currently 10 eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) applications pending before the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC). Five applications request an initial designation as a Lifeline-only ETC. Four applications were filed by entities that have been designated as ETCs and are seeking an expansion of their ETC service areas. One applicant is seeking a relinquishment of its ETC designation. The dockets for all of the ETC applications, along with the initial filing dates are listed below:
23-DWLZ-676-ETC, DISH Wireless L.L.C. Application for Designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier in the State of Kansas for the Limited Purpose of Providing Lifeline Service to Qualifying Customers (Mar. 27, 2023).
24-SAGT-326-ETC, Application Sage Telcom Communications, LLC to Expand Its Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Service Area (Oct. 10, 2023).
24-MCCT-411-ETC, Application of Midcontinent Communications, A South Dakota General Partnership, for Designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (Nov. 28, 2023).
24-IMTT-515-ETC, IM Telecom, LLC d/b/a Infiniti Mobile's Application for Designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (Jan. 23, 2024).
24-NTHT-589-ETC, Application of Nex-Tech, LLC for an Order Confirming Relinquishment of its Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Designation In Specified Census Blocks (Feb. 23, 2024).
24-TCCZ-659-ETC, Application of TruConnect Communications, Inc. Application for Designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (Apr. 4, 2024).
24-NTWZ-672-ETC, Application of Nex-Tech Wireless, LLC for Expansion of its Designation as a Lifeline-Only Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (Apr. 12, 2024).
25-GOMT-124-ETC, Application of Go MD USA LLC For a Limited Designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier for the Purpose of Offering and Operating a Lifeline Service for Low Income Consumers (Aug. 9, 2024).
25-VMBZ-235-ETC, Application of the Assurance Wireless USA, L.P. to Expand its Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Designated Service Area and to Receive Lifeline Support for Eligible Services (Dec. 6, 2024).
25-AVWZ-250-ETC, Application of Air Voice Wireless, LLC for Designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 for Lifeline Purposes Only (Dec. 23, 2024).
New Kansas Corporation Commission Telecom Dockets Opened In February 2025
25-GCLT-334-CCS – Application of Global Crossing Local Services, Inc. and Global Crossing Telecommunications, Inc. to Discontinue Regulated Local Exchange Services and Interexchange Services.
25-GIMT-332-GIT – Certification of Compliance with Section 254(e) of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 and Certification of Appropriate Use of Kansas Universal Service Fund Support.
25-EFNT-330-COM – Complaint Against Everfast Fiber Networks by Jerry and Joan Gilson.
25-SWBT-323-IAT – Application of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, LLC, for Approval of Interconnection Agreement Under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 With Brightspeed Broadband, LLC.
25-BLVT-321-MIS – Application of Blue Valley Tele-Communications, Inc. for Waiver of a Portion of the Telecommunications Billing Practice Standards.
25-COSC-317-CCN – Application of Consolidated Communications Enterprise Services, Inc. for an Amended and Reissued Certificate of Convenience and Authority to Reflect its New Legal Name “Consolidated Communications Enterprise Services, LLC.”
25-GIMT-310-CPL – CAF/ICC Certification Filing Compliance as Required under the FCC’s regulations – 47 C.F.R. 51.917(d)(1)(vii).
25-WHST-308-TAR – Application of Wheat State Telephone Company Inc. Filing Tariff Revisions in Sections 4 and 5 Revised Sheet 12.
