BILL NUMBER: S7406
SPONSOR: HINCHEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public service law, in relation to directing the
public service commission to review cellular services within the state
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to direct the public service commission to
study the coverage and reliability of cell phone service in New York
State and construct a plan to ensure statewide reliable cell coverage
for all New Yorkers.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one directs the public service commission to study call
completion rates and download speed tests throughout the state and
create a comprehensive map of which areas are served, underserved and
unserved. Among other data, the PSC is directed to consider the FCC's
ongoing Broadband Data Task Force's newly updated National Broadband
Map, and any future data, on the availability of wireless broadband
service in New York State. The public service commission is also
directed to send a report of its findings to the Governor, Temporary
President of the Senate and the Speaker of the Assembly and work with
cellular service providers to prioritize access of coverage to communi-
ties that have been negatively impacted by the current lack of service.
Section two states the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Many areas across New York State still do not have reliable access to
cell service. "Dead zones", or areas without cell reception, are common
and often threaten the safety and economic wellbeing of those that live
in and around them. Other areas may be deemed 'covered' by service
providers, but reliable, quality coverage is nearly never available.
When an emergency strikes, lack of basic cell service can prevent people
from being able to call for help or reach 9-1-1. In our globally
connected world, it is unacceptable that many New Yorkers are still
living without this now basic necessity.
There are three main cell service providers and the only known coverage
maps are created by them. Through lived experience, we know these maps
to be inadequate. We need the Public Service Commission to create a
true, unbiased understanding of the state of cell phone coverage across
our state so that we can close these gaps once and for all.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S6318-A - Passed Senate
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become a law.