PA SB491

Effective January 1, 2026, local exchange telecommunications companies are no longer required to provide broadband to customers or locations where another provider offers broadband service using any technology.

Effective January 1, 2027, local exchange telecommunications companies have no obligation to provide broadband to any customer or location, and no duty to extend or maintain facilities where alternative wireline or wireless providers exist.

The Public Utility Commission must permanently waive numerous telecommunications regulations within 30 days, including tariff filing requirements, service standards, and residential billing practices, while retaining rules for relay services, universal service, and anti-cramming/slamming protections.

Telecommunications carriers are exempt from obtaining certificates of public convenience for transactions filed with the FCC; commission approval is automatic 30 days after providing written notice.

The commission is stripped of jurisdiction over VoIP, IP-enabled services, and broadband/internet access services, while a new customer dispute process requires companies to investigate complaints within 30 days before mediation becomes available.