This bill proposes the establishment of the Telecommunications Exchange Deregulation Act in Nebraska, which aims to modify the regulatory framework governing telecommunications carriers. It amends existing statutes to grant the Public Service Commission jurisdiction over telecommunications carriers and introduces new definitions and procedures for deregulating exchanges. Specifically, the bill allows electing local exchange carriers to petition for deregulation of their exchanges based on population criteria and the presence of competing carriers. It also outlines the conditions under which a carrier can be classified as deregulated or transitioning, and specifies the obligations that deregulated carriers are exempt from, such as fulfilling the obligations of a carrier of last resort and complying with certain quality of service standards.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the commission to maintain confidentiality of proprietary information collected under the new act and establishes that deregulated carriers will not receive funds from the Nebraska Telecommunications Universal Service Fund. The legislation also clarifies that transitioning carriers will have reduced obligations in deregulated exchanges and sets forth the commission's authority to adopt necessary rules and regulations for the implementation of the act. The original sections of the statutes being amended are repealed, indicating a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for telecommunications in Nebraska.

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