Applications

• Certificate of Authority Application (.pdf)
• Coin and Non-Coin Pay Phone Application (.pdf)

Fees 

All telecommunications carriers, telephone companies and service resellers must file an application with the Department of Commerce for a “certificate of authority” to do business in Minnesota. Initial applications must be accompanied by a $570 filing fee. 

All telecommunications providers must pay an annual assessment based on gross state revenues. Call 651-296-0391 for more information.

In addition to federal, state and municipal taxes, telecommunications carriers that provide local service are required to assess and collect fees for 911, Telephone Assistance Plan (TAP), and Telecommunications Access Minnesota (TAM). Visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website for more information.

Ongoing Filing Instructions

Certified telecommunication carriers may decide to change or end operations in Minnesota. Download filing instructions (.pdf) for some of the most common filings required.

Download a Certificate of Authority Checklist (.pdf) to help you determine if you need a certificate of authority from the Public Utilities Commission.

Applications

Certificate of Authority Application

Coin and Non-Coin Pay Phone Application

Certification and Assessments

All telecommunications carriers, telephone companies and service resellers must file an application with the department for a "certificate of authority" to do business in Minnesota. Initial applications must be accompanied by a $570 filing fee. These costs are based on the time required to complete the process. In addition, telecommunications providers pay an annual assessment, based on gross state revenues, imposed on all regulated telecommunications service providers. Contact 651-296-0391 for more information.

New providers of telecommunications services should understand the steps and data flows involved when a company becomes integrated within the telecommunications industry. Download Network and Routing Resources Educational Document: Intercompany Responsibilities in the Telecommunications Industry for a good explanation. The Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions has additional documents at its web site that may be of interest to your company.

Fees

As a regulated telecommunications carrier, in addition to federal, state, and municipal taxes, you are required to assess and collect fees for 911, Telephone Assistance Plan (TAP), and Telecommunications Access Minnesota (TAM). For further information on these fees, visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website at www.911.state.mn.us.

Certified telecommunication carriers may decide to change or end operations in Minnesota. Listed in this document are instructions for some of the most common filings carriers must submit. Updated May 27, 2010. Download filing instructions here.