Bill > S09271

This bill, known as the "NY broadband resiliency, public safety and quality act," grants the Public Service Commission (PSC) the authority to oversee broadband and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, which are essential for participation in modern life. Broadband service is defined as a mass-market retail service providing internet access, excluding dial-up, and an internet service provider is any entity qualified to do business in New York that offers this service. VoIP is defined as an interconnected voice service that uses the internet for real-time, two-way voice communication, requiring a broadband connection and allowing users to connect to and from the traditional phone network. The PSC will establish rules and regulations to ensure the reliability and resilience of broadband infrastructure, including requiring internet service providers to report outages and maintain adequate power backup. The commission will also oversee emergency preparedness and post-emergency restoration plans for these networks, monitor pricing and adoption rates of broadband and VoIP, and conduct evaluations of facilities to ensure public safety, resiliency, and quality of service, with the ultimate goal of achieving universal, high-quality, and affordable access. Furthermore, the PSC must initiate a proceeding within three months of the bill's effective date to set minimum service quality benchmarks for completing orders, repairing outages, and customer service, including clear ways for subscribers to reach representatives, and will report annually to the legislature on progress.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S9271