This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia to classify Internet Service Providers (ISPs) as telecommunications utilities for regulatory purposes under the Public Service Commission. The legislation recognizes the essential nature of reliable broadband internet access, equating its importance to that of traditional utilities like telephone service. The bill includes new provisions that state ISPs will be regulated similarly to other utilities, ensuring that consumers receive equivalent protections and that their complaints are investigated by the Public Service Commission.

The bill introduces specific legal language that emphasizes the necessity of broadband internet in modern living standards and mandates that ISPs be treated as utilities. This change is intended to enhance consumer protections and oversight in the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape, reflecting the growing reliance on internet services in daily life. The proposed amendments underscore the commitment to ensuring that all consumers in West Virginia have access to reliable internet services, aligning regulatory practices with the needs of contemporary society.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 24-2-1