Bill > LB4

This bill adopts the Telecommunications Exchange Deregulation Act, which introduces a new framework for regulating telecommunications carriers in Nebraska. The bill establishes three types of carriers: electing local exchange carriers, deregulated carriers, and transitioning carriers, with specific rules for each. Under the new law, an electing local exchange carrier can petition the Public Service Commission to deregulate an exchange (a specific service area) if it meets certain population or competition criteria, such as having at least 100,000 inhabitants or at least two other carriers providing voice communications service. Once an exchange is deregulated, the carrier is no longer required to fulfill carrier of last resort obligations, comply with service quality standards, or follow certain pricing restrictions, and will not receive funds from the Nebraska Telecommunications Universal Service Fund. Transitioning carriers, which have some but not all exchanges deregulated, will have modified obligations, including reduced universal service fund support for deregulated exchanges. The bill maintains certain consumer protection and interconnection requirements and allows the Public Service Commission to continue hearing customer complaints and adopting rules to implement the act. Overall, the legislation aims to reduce regulatory oversight of telecommunications services in exchanges with sufficient competition or population density.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=58808