SB 13-287 Summary

• Adds broadband internet service in unserved and underserved areas to services eligible for reimbursement through Colorado's high cost support mechanism for rural telecommunications.

• Exempts voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) service and internet-protocol-enabled service from Public Utilities Commission regulation, and exempts broadband service provided into unserved areas from state sales tax beginning July 1, 2015.

• Exempts basic local exchange service from PUC regulation in geographic areas where the PUC determines effective competition exists.

• Establishes criteria for awarding support mechanism funds to broadband projects in unserved and underserved areas, including prioritizing unserved areas and requiring projects deliver at least 4 megabits per second downstream and 1 megabit per second upstream.

• Clarifies that exemptions do not affect federal law compliance, PUC authority over wholesale telecommunications rates and tariffs, intercarrier compensation disputes, or next-generation 911 service implementation standards.