Existing law requires certain telecommunication providers, called providers of last resort, to provide basic network service and business line service to any person requesting and eligible to receive such service in a particular service territory. (NRS 704.018) Existing law authorizes certain providers of last resort to file an application with the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada to be relieved of their obligation to provide such service in an area where an alternative voice service is provided by a specified number of other providers meeting certain requirements. The term “alternative voice service” for the purposes of these provisions excludes retail voice service that is made available through satellite. (NRS 704.68886) This bill removes the provision excluding retail voice service that is made available through satellite from the definition of “alternative voice service,” thereby allowing providers of retail voice service by satellite to be included among the providers of alternative voice service which may be counted for the purposes of determining whether a provider of last resort may be relieved of its obligation to provide basic network service and business line service to any eligible person within a service territory.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 704.68886
BDR: 704.68886