VT H0898

Telecommunications carriers must provide written notice to the Commissioner of Public Service, E-911 Board, and affected customers at least 120, 60, and 30 days before transitioning from copper to fiber networks, including details on service changes, backup power options, and consumer rights

VoIP service providers must file annual reports beginning November 1, 2026 detailing customer battery backup purchases and any incidents where E-911 access was impaired due to lack of backup power

The Commissioner of Public Service must quarterly review outage reports to identify areas vulnerable to extended E-911 service interruptions and establish a mechanism with the Attorney General for tracking VoIP service complaints

The Commissioner must develop consumer education initiatives about customer rights during network transitions and emergency preparedness for power outages affecting VoIP service

The 2027 Commissioner's report must include recommendations on whether Vermont should establish financial assistance for low-income customers to purchase backup power equipment and whether additional backup power obligations should apply to VoIP providers