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 application of the act, requiring telecommunications providers to submit price schedules to the public service commission, and imposes limitations on local governments entering exclusive agreements for broadband access. The bill also mandates the payment of universal service fund charges for prepaid wireless services and clarifies that the act primarily applies to noncompetitive essential telecommunications services. Additionally, it requires rulemaking to implement these changes and repeals conflicting provisions.

Moreover, the bill introduces a new charge on prepaid wireless telecommunications access, effective July 1, 2026, which will be applied to retail sales of such services, excluding certain sales. The charge's rate will be based on intrastate telecommunications service percentages, adjusted by the Federal Communications Commission's interstate wireless safe harbor percentage. The bill modifies eligibility criteria for telecommunications companies to receive universal service fund distributions, changing "supported services" to "essential services," and mandates that companies reflect these distributions as credits on customer bills. It also requires the Department of Revenue to adopt necessary rules by July 1, 2026, to implement the new charge, with some sections of the act taking effect immediately upon passage.

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