Bill > HB1211

This bill, titled the "Broadband Resiliency, Public Safety, and Quality Act," grants the Public Utilities Commission (commission) the authority to regulate broadband service, which is defined as internet service provided over any broadband network, including low Earth orbit internet satellites, and voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) service, a digital phone service that replaces traditional landlines. An "internet service provider" is defined as any entity providing individuals or others with internet access via broadband service. The commission can establish rules concerning the quality, safety, and reliability of broadband and VoIP services, including standards for infrastructure resiliency, requiring providers to report outages and submit emergency preparedness plans, and mandating minimum power backup requirements. The commission is also empowered to conduct evaluations of internet service providers' facilities and infrastructure, and if issues are found regarding quality, safety, or reliability, or if rules are violated, the commission can order remedial actions, which may include requiring improvements, submitting corrective plans, prohibiting certain actions, mandating infrastructure upgrades or repairs, or issuing fines. Furthermore, the commission must submit an annual report to the general assembly detailing the state of broadband and VoIP services, including data on adoption, performance, outages, and any violations or fines issued. This bill amends existing law to explicitly allow the commission to regulate broadband service, removing the previous exemption for VoIP service from regulation.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1211