SB 636 Summary

• Requires the Michigan Public Service Commission to maintain a publicly available database of telecommunications providers licensed to provide toll and local exchange service in the state.

• Establishes an intrastate switched toll access rate restructuring mechanism funded by mandatory monthly contributions from retail intrastate telecommunications and commercial mobile service providers to help eligible carriers recover revenue lost from rate reductions, with eligible providers receiving monthly disbursements for up to 12 years beginning September 13, 2010.

• Changes service discontinuance requirements effective January 1, 2017, allowing providers to discontinue basic local exchange or toll service after federal approval with 90 days' notice, replacing prior requirements for alternative providers; requires the commission to investigate and potentially mandate service provision if comparable voice service with reliable 911 access is unavailable.

• Requires operator service providers and payphone service providers to register with the commission, paying $100 registration fees, and mandates operator service providers connect emergency calls at no charge.

• Prohibits basic local exchange service providers from making false or misleading statements about rates and terms, charging for unauthorized services, charging after cancellation, requiring regulated service purchases as a condition for unregulated services, and disconnecting service over disputed charges.