Bill > SB1161

This bill defines "Voice over Internet Protocol" (VoIP) as a voice communication service that uses Internet Protocol (IP) or a successor protocol, requires a broadband connection, and allows users to connect to and from the traditional phone network, while excluding basic phone services that don't significantly use IP technology. It also defines "Internet Protocol enabled service" (IP enabled service) broadly as any service using IP that allows users to send or receive communications in IP format via broadband, regardless of whether it's voice, data, or video. The core provision of the bill is to prevent the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and other state agencies, from regulating VoIP and IP enabled services unless specifically required by federal law or explicitly directed by state statute, thereby preserving the open and competitive nature of the internet and fostering innovation and investment in California's technology sector. However, this restriction does not affect existing regulations related to emergency services, universal service programs, video franchising, federal communications law implementation, data collection, intercarrier compensation disputes, backup power systems, pole attachments, or general criminal and civil laws, including consumer protection and environmental regulations. The bill also clarifies that it does not impact the regulation of traditional wireline or wireless services, nor does it limit the CPUC's ability to monitor, report on, or informally assist consumers with VoIP-related complaints, and this regulatory limitation on VoIP and IP enabled services is set to expire on January 1, 2020, unless extended by future legislation.