The bill amends the Wyoming Telecommunications Act by extending its sunset date from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2031, and introduces new definitions such as "broadband internet access service" and "noncompetitive local exchange service." It specifies the act's application to noncompetitive essential telecommunications services and outlines requirements for telecommunications providers to submit price schedules to the public service commission. The bill also imposes limitations on local governments regarding exclusive agreements for broadband internet access and mandates contributions to the universal service fund for prepaid wireless services. Significant deletions include the removal of specific definitions related to essential telecommunications services, replaced with broader terms, and clarifications that certain wireless telecommunications services are not subject to the act.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new charge on prepaid wireless telecommunications access, effective July 1, 2026, which will be applied to retail sales of prepaid wireless communications access, excluding certain sales. The charge's rate will be determined based on intrastate telecommunications service percentages, adjusted by the Federal Communications Commission's interstate wireless safe harbor percentage. The bill also modifies existing provisions regarding the universal service fund, changing terminology from "supported services" to "essential services," and mandates the Department of Revenue to adopt necessary rules by July 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to modernize the telecommunications framework in Wyoming, enhance service availability, and improve consumer protections.

Statutes affected:
25LSO-0203 v0.6: 37-15-103, 37-15-104