HB196 Summary

• Redefines "basic telephone service" to align with federal regulations (47 C.F.R. 54.101(a)) and allow delivery through any technology, including VoIP and other service arrangements.

• Eliminates the requirement for non-incumbent local exchange carriers to provide basic telephone service; incumbent carriers must provide service upon reasonable request if costs do not exceed $8,000.

• Relieves incumbent local exchange carriers of universal service obligations on the effective date unless they affirmatively elect to retain such obligations within 30 days and notify the Public Service Commission.

• Allows carriers to escape service obligations if property owners or developers exclude them during construction or accept incentives from competing providers, though obligations may be reinstated if the alternative provider fails.

• Establishes a temporary complaint process (18 months) allowing the Public Service Commission to order service or conduct competitive procurement if a residence cannot obtain voice service from any provider.