The Kansas Corporation Commission convened on December 24, 2024, to discuss a significant application from South Western Bell, operating as AT&T Kansas, seeking to relinquish its eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) status in specific areas. The meeting focused on the implications of this request, particularly concerning service availability for low-income customers in rural regions.

AT&T's application aims to relinquish its ETC status in 14,600 census blocks while retaining it in 1,518 blocks. The company has been an ETC since 1997, and previously relinquished status for some high-cost areas in 2019. The ETC designation allows carriers to receive federal and state funding to support service provision in high-cost areas, including the Lifeline program, which offers discounts to low-income customers.

The commission's authority to approve the relinquishment is based on federal law, which stipulates that two conditions must be met: the area must be served by at least one remaining ETC, and the commission must ensure that these carriers can continue to provide service. Commission staff confirmed that multiple ETCs are available in the proposed relinquishment areas, satisfying the first condition. Furthermore, as AT&T will continue to provide legacy voice services, the remaining ETCs are expected to maintain Lifeline services for affected customers.

Staff recommended approval of AT&T's application, contingent upon several provisions. These include granting relinquishment for the specified areas while ensuring AT&T retains its ETC status in the remaining blocks. Additionally, the remaining ETCs must guarantee continued Lifeline service for customers who request it. AT&T is also required to notify all competitive ETCs in the service area about the relinquishment and file compliance documentation with the commission.

To protect affected Lifeline customers, AT&T must send a notice within 14 days of the commission's approval, followed by a second notice and billing statement. Compliance with these requirements will be documented through affidavits filed in the commission's docket.

The meeting concluded with a clear path forward for AT&T's application, emphasizing the importance of maintaining service for vulnerable populations while allowing the company to adjust its operational footprint in Kansas.