This bill mandates that telecommunications companies, including those providing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, must offer prorated refunds or credits to customers who experience service outages lasting longer than 72 hours. The bill specifies that these companies cannot require customers to take any action to receive the adjustments or credits. For VoIP service providers, the requirement applies only to residential customers and excludes outages that occur during significant events that damage the electric grid. The Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is also authorized to set additional exceptions or limitations regarding these provisions.

The bill amends existing laws to clarify the responsibilities of telecommunications companies in relation to service interruptions. It introduces new language that requires these companies to adjust customer bills or provide credits for prolonged outages, while also ensuring that the BPU retains the authority to monitor and regulate competitive services. The amendments include provisions that allow the BPU to determine the necessary reports to monitor service competitiveness and to reclassify services based on market conditions. Overall, the bill aims to enhance consumer protection by ensuring that customers are compensated for extended service disruptions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 48:2-21.19, 48:17-35