The Public Utilities Division implements the Commission's statutory responsibilities concerning the regulation of telecommunications service in North Dakota. Stated generally, this authority is evolving while the industry transitions to a competitive market structure.
The Public Service Commission has traditional regulatory authority, including authority over rates, terms and conditions of service, for only one telecommunications company, which has opted for this traditional regulation. Similar traditional regulation is applicable to the access service provided by other cooperative and small investor-owned companies that have chosen this traditional regulation for their access service. The access service of all others, and the access and local services provided by Qwest (CenturyLink), are price capped by law, although company election of traditional regulation still remains an option. Except for disconnect issues, the rates, terms and conditions of the local telecommunications service of small investor-owned companies and cooperatives are outside the Commission's jurisdiction.
Long distance service has been transitioning to a competitive market for many years, and since 1996 by federal mandate, local service is following the same path. The Public Utilities Division implements the Commissions growing role in resolving disputes between companies arising out of the transition to competition.
Telecommunications Company Online Registration
VoIP telecommunications companies
Please Note:
Telecommunications companies that are not incumbent telecommunications companies and are solely providing Internet protocol-enabled service as defined under North Dakota Century Code section 49-21-01(9), or solely providing voice over internet protocol service as defined under North Dakota Century Code section 49-21-01(22), are not required to register with, or obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity from, the Public Service Commission before providing telecommunications services in North Dakota.
Resellers of Telecommunications Services and Facilities
Please Note:
A company reselling local or long-distance telecommunications services and facilities in North Dakota, as defined under North Dakota Administrative Code section 69-09-05-04, is required to register with the Public Service Commission.
- Escrow Agreement SFN 53202
- Telecommunications Reseller's Bond SFN 50826
Online Registration:
Telecommunications Service Providers
Related Information
- Register for the North Dakota Attorney General's "Do Not Call" list
- North Dakota One-Call (Call Before You Dig)
Telephone Service Issues
- Lifeline Telephone Assistance Program (Note that a certificate from social services stating that you qualify is needed in order to apply in North Dakota. For questions about qualification, please contact your county social service office or the state Department of Human Services at 701-328-2310).
- Lifeline Companies in North Dakota
- Protection from Telephone Disconnects
- Slamming
- Tips for Telephone Service: PUD/T-6
Regulatory Process
National Organizations
Interconnection agreements are filed under Section 252(e) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Act) which requires that any agreement adopted by negotiation or arbitration be submitted to the Commission for approval. Section 252(e)(4) of the Act provides that agreements adopted by negotiation will be deemed approved if the Commission does not act to approve or reject the agreement within 90 days after submission.
Effective for agreements filed on or after November 20, 2003, the Commission will no longer take action to approve interconnection agreements adopted by negotiation and consequently will no longer issue any formal notices inviting written comments. Pending negotiated agreements will be listed here, together with the date each was filed and links to the agreement itself. Please note that it may take one working day for a filed agreement to appear on or be removed from this list. The Commission will receive written comments on each listed agreement for 60 days from the date filed. Absent Commission action within 90 days of filing to reject an agreement (or portion thereof) adopted by negotiation, the agreement will be deemed approved under section 252(e)(4) of the Act. Any assignment, assumption or transfer of an approved agreement requires a new filing with a new 90 day review and comment period.
Under section 252(e)(2)(A) of the Act, the Commission may only reject an agreement (or portion thereof) adopted by negotiation if the Commission finds that:
- the agreement (or portion thereof) discriminates against a telecommunications carrier that was not a party to the agreement;
- the implementation of the agreement (or portion thereof) is not consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity
In addition, the Commission may include in its review state requirements that do not constitute barriers to entry under section 253 of the Act.
For more information contact the Public Service Commission, State Capitol, Bismarck, North Dakota 58505, 701-328-2400; or Relay North Dakota 1-800-366-6888 TTY. If you require any auxiliary aids or services, such as readers, signers, or Braille materials please notify Steve Kahl, Executive Secretary.