Senate Bill 395 aims to repeal the requirement for certain telecommunications providers, specifically incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs), to offer basic voice service to all residential customers within their local exchange areas. This provision, originally enacted in 2011, has been rendered ineffective since its sunset date of April 30, 2013. The bill also amends existing statutes related to alternative telecommunications utilities, specifically updating the language to remove references to the now-repealed section 196.503, while maintaining other regulatory provisions.

The amendments include changes to sections 196.203 and 196.50, which clarify the obligations of alternative telecommunications utilities and the process for recertification by the Public Service Commission (PSC). The bill ensures that these utilities are only subject to specific provisions of the telecommunications chapter, while also allowing the PSC to impose certain requirements if deemed necessary for the public interest. Overall, the bill reflects a shift in regulatory requirements for telecommunications providers in Wisconsin, streamlining the process and removing outdated mandates.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 196.203(1g)(b), 196.203, 196.50(2)(j)1.b, 196.50, 196.503