Bill > S877

This bill, the "Market Competition and Consumer Choice Act," aims to reduce state regulation on competitive telecommunications and cable television services. Specifically, it exempts telecommunications providers from certain regulations if there are at least two other providers offering voice services in an exchange, and it exempts cable television companies from regulation in "competitive franchise areas," which are defined as areas with at least two multichannel video programming distributors. The bill also modifies franchise renewal processes for cable companies and clarifies payment obligations to municipalities. Additionally, it mandates the Board of Public Utilities (the "board") to study the level of competition and consumer choice in these markets and report its findings to the Governor and Legislature within two years.