SB2908 Summary

• Large Electing Providers (telecommunications companies with 700,000+ access lines affiliated with mobile radio service providers) may discontinue voice telecommunications service to residential customers beginning June 30, 2017, subject to notice and investigation requirements.

• Providers must give existing customers at least 255 days' notice before discontinuing service, with notices required in both English and Spanish describing the service, discontinuation date, and customers' right to request a Commission investigation.

• The Illinois Commerce Commission must investigate whether alternative voice services with reliable 9-1-1 access are available; if unavailable, the Commission must identify a willing alternative provider or require the Large Electing Provider to continue service.

• Beginning December 31, 2021, Large Electing Providers may discontinue service to certain non-residential classes of customers (electric utilities, water companies, 9-1-1 authorities, etc.) with 60 days' notice, with extended deadlines until December 21, 2022 for large utilities and nuclear power plant operators.

• The Commission is prohibited from investigating or regulating service discontinuances except as specifically authorized in this Section, and customers who do not request investigation within 60 days lose protections and may have service discontinued.