Bill > SB204

This bill amends the Rural Telecommunications Act of New Mexico to make access to the state rural universal service fund (the Fund) comparable for telecommunications carriers established before and after the enactment of the Act. The key provisions include: - Defining terms used in the Act, such as "affordable rates," "eligible telecommunications carrier," and "incumbent rural telecommunications carrier." - Establishing the Fund to maintain and support universal service (i.e., basic local exchange service, affordable alternative services, low-income assistance, and broadband access) in rural areas, financed through a surcharge on intrastate retail public telecommunications services. - Allowing all incumbent and competitive carriers designated as eligible to participate in the Fund, and providing a process for other carriers to be designated as eligible. - Requiring the Public Regulation Commission to adopt rules on the administration and disbursement of the Fund, including restrictions on the use of Fund support. - Authorizing payments from the Fund to incumbent local exchange carriers and other eligible carriers to ensure the availability of universal service at affordable rates in rural areas. - Establishing a broadband program within the Fund to provide funding for the construction and maintenance of broadband internet access facilities in rural areas. - Capping the total obligations of the Fund at $30 million per year and requiring the Commission to evaluate the cap by June 30, 2019.

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https://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/legislation.aspx?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=204&year=21