RadioLink Internet Shuts Down Across 5,000 Square Miles, Prompting Minnesota Probe
Updated
Updated · KTTC · Jun 9
RadioLink Internet Shuts Down Across 5,000 Square Miles, Prompting Minnesota Probe
3 articles · Updated · KTTC · Jun 9
Summary
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison issued a consumer alert after RadioLink Internet abruptly ceased service, with customers saying they got little or no warning and some had already paid in advance.
Owner Daniel Petsinger said he closed the southern Minnesota provider because of a declining customer base and a changing political climate, then directed refund requests to Minnesota Bankruptcy Court.
New Richland said its council voted in May to remove RLI equipment from a water tower with 60 days' notice because the 2013-2018 contract had expired and the city wanted fair compensation and infrastructure protection.
Petsinger alleged New Richland and Ellendale violated the Telecommunications Act of 1996 by stifling broadband competition; Ellendale declined to comment.
The shutdown leaves rural customers across roughly 5,000 square miles scrambling for replacement internet service that some said is critical for work and even basic phone connectivity.