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 This provision, originally enacted in 2011, has been rendered ineffective since its sunset date of April 30, 2013.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related to alternative telecommunications utilities, specifically updating the language to remove references to the now-repealed section 196.503, while maintaining other regulatory provisions that apply to these utilities.

The bill modifies sections 196.203 and 196.50 of the statutes to clarify the obligations of alternative telecommunications utilities and the conditions under which they may be recertified. Notably, it specifies that these utilities will be exempt from certain provisions of the chapter, while still being subject to others, ensuring that regulatory oversight remains in place where necessary. The overall intent of the bill is to streamline regulations for telecommunications providers in Wisconsin, reflecting changes in the industry and the competitive landscape.

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