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. Additionally, for VoIP service providers, the requirement applies only to residential customers and excludes outages occurring during significant events that damage the electric grid. The Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is authorized to set further exceptions or limitations regarding these provisions.

The bill amends existing laws to include new requirements for telecommunications service providers, ensuring that customers are compensated for prolonged service interruptions. It emphasizes consumer protection by ensuring that customers are not burdened with the need to request adjustments or credits, thereby streamlining the process for receiving compensation during service outages. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

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