Amends TCA Title 4; Title 7; Title 9; Title 65 and Title 67.
This bill authorizes the Tennessee public utility commission to exercise oversight in regard to broadband and voice over internet protocol (VolP) services, which means an interconnected service that enables real time, two-way communications; requires a broadband connection from the user's location; requires internet protocol-compatible customer premises equipment; and permits users generally to receive and terminate calls that originate on the public switched telephone network. This bill requires the commission to promulgate rules necessary to implement effective oversight of broadband and VolP service in this state, including, but not limited to, rules that: (1) Ensure the resiliency and reliability of broadband infrastructure and require internet service providers to submit information related to network reliability; (2) Ensure the public safety and adequacy of networks by exercising oversight of internet service providers' emergency preparedness and plans for post-emergency network restoration; and (3) Require internet service providers to report data on the deployment, availability, pricing, and adoption of VolP and broadband service. This bill requires the commission to conduct evaluations and audits of facilities and infrastructure used to provide high-speed internet service and in regard to areas of public safety, resiliency, broadband and other items the commission deems relevant to achieving goals of resiliency, quality, and public safety in broadband service as well as universal access and affordability. This bill requires the commission to annually report to the members of the general assembly on progress toward achieving goals of resiliency, public safety, and quality of broadband and VolP service by January 1.
This bill authorizes the Tennessee public utility commission to exercise oversight in regard to broadband and voice over internet protocol (VolP) services, which means an interconnected service that enables real time, two-way communications; requires a broadband connection from the user's location; requires internet protocol-compatible customer premises equipment; and permits users generally to receive and terminate calls that originate on the public switched telephone network. This bill requires the commission to promulgate rules necessary to implement effective oversight of broadband and VolP service in this state, including, but not limited to, rules that: (1) Ensure the resiliency and reliability of broadband infrastructure and require internet service providers to submit information related to network reliability; (2) Ensure the public safety and adequacy of networks by exercising oversight of internet service providers' emergency preparedness and plans for post-emergency network restoration; and (3) Require internet service providers to report data on the deployment, availability, pricing, and adoption of VolP and broadband service. This bill requires the commission to conduct evaluations and audits of facilities and infrastructure used to provide high-speed internet service and in regard to areas of public safety, resiliency, broadband and other items the commission deems relevant to achieving goals of resiliency, quality, and public safety in broadband service as well as universal access and affordability. This bill requires the commission to annually report to the members of the general assembly on progress toward achieving goals of resiliency, public safety, and quality of broadband and VolP service by January 1.
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