The proposed bill aims to amend existing telecommunications regulations in Nebraska by introducing the Telecommunications Exchange Deregulation Act. It grants the Public Service Commission jurisdiction over telecommunications carriers and outlines the criteria under which exchanges can be deregulated. Specifically, the bill allows electing local exchange carriers to petition for deregulation of their exchanges based on population thresholds and the presence of competing carriers. The commission is tasked with determining whether an exchange should be deregulated or remain regulated within 90 days of receiving a petition.

Key changes include the insertion of new definitions and provisions related to deregulated and transitioning carriers, which will no longer be required to fulfill certain obligations such as maintaining quality of service standards or complying with pricing requirements unless tied to grant conditions. Additionally, the bill specifies that deregulated carriers will not receive funds from the Nebraska Telecommunications Universal Service Fund. The original sections of the law that are being amended are repealed, streamlining the regulatory framework for telecommunications in Nebraska.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 75-109.01, 86-124