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 for deregulating exchanges based on population and competition. Specifically, the bill allows electing local exchange carriers to petition for deregulation of their exchanges, with the commission required to make a determination within 90 days. The criteria for deregulation include having a population of at least 100,000 or having at least two other carriers providing voice communications service in the exchange.

Additionally, the bill specifies that deregulated carriers will not be required to fulfill obligations such as being a carrier of last resort or complying with quality of service standards. It also establishes that transitioning carriers will have reduced obligations in deregulated exchanges and will not be eligible for funds from the Nebraska Telecommunications Universal Service Fund for those exchanges. The bill includes provisions for the commission to adopt necessary rules and regulations to enforce the new act and repeals the original sections of the relevant statutes.

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