Bill > SB0269

This bill modifies Utah's telecommunications regulations, primarily focusing on changes to carrier of last resort (COLR) obligations for smaller telephone corporations. Specifically, the bill allows incumbent telephone corporations serving fewer than 30,000 access lines to petition for price regulation instead of traditional rate-of-return regulation, and removes their carrier of last resort status after July 1, 2025. These corporations must continue providing basic residential service to existing customers at their current locations until the Public Service Commission adopts findings to discontinue service. The bill also gives the commission broader discretion to reinstate COLR obligations if deemed in the public interest, and designates local exchange areas previously served by these smaller corporations as competitive areas no longer eligible for Universal Public Telecommunications Service Support Fund funding (except for the lifeline program for low-income consumers). The changes aim to provide more flexibility for smaller telecommunications providers while maintaining some basic service protections for existing customers, reflecting the evolving telecommunications landscape and increasing competition in the industry.

Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/SB0269.html