H 898 — An act relating to copper-based to fiber-based telecommunications network transitions and consumer protections

BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.898 Page 1 of 67 H.898 AnIntroduced actby relatingCommittee toon copper-basedEnergy to fiber-based telecommunications network transitions and consumerDigital protectionsInfrastructure ItDate: is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:

Subject:

Telecommunications;

telephone service;

copper-to-fiber network transitions;

VoIP service;

backup power;

consumer protections Statement of purpose of bill as introduced:

This bill proposes to establish consumer protections related to a legacy telephone company’s transition from a copper-based network to a fiber-based network and, in addition, to establish reporting requirements designed to inform State policy with regard to ensuring all telephone customers have continuous and reliable access to emergency services.

An act relating to copper-based to fiber-based telecommunications network transitions and consumer protections It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:

§§ 227f 227f is added to read:

§§ 227f. 227f.

(1) When a telecommunications carrier transitions its infrastructure from a copper-based network to a fiber-based network, it is critical to ensure BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.898 Page 2 of 7 that existing customers have continued access to high-quality, reliable telecommunications service.

VT LEG #387431 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.898 Page 2 of 6 (4) In the event of a power outage, most backup batteries connected to the ONT will provide VoIP service for up to eight hours;

BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.898 Page 3 of 7 (6) There is a need for clear customer safeguards to ensure continuous and reliable service during the transition to and in the provision of VoIP service and for enhanced State oversight of customer access to emergency services, generally.

VT LEG #387431 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.898 Page 3 of 6 (d) Notice of network transition.

BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.898 Page 4 of 7 (1) the date the transition is expected to occur;

VT LEG #387431 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.898 Page 4 of 6 (6) a link to the consumer protection rules in Public Utility Commission Rule 7.600, Standards for Billing, Credit and Collections, and Customer Information for Telecommunications Carriers, which includes a Consumer Bill of Rights, or how to obtain a hard copy of Rule 7.600 by U.S.

BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.898 Page 5 of 7 (8) information regarding the availability of and eligibility for any federal, State, or carrier discount programs applicable to the replacement VoIP service;

VT LEG #387431 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.898 Page 5 of 6 (f) Enforcement.

In addition to reviewing the annual reports required under subsection (e) of this section, the Commissioner of Public Service shall review, quarterly, the outage reports submitted to the E-911 BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.898 Page 6 of 7 Board pursuant to the Board’s Rule Governing Outage Reporting Requirements for Originating Carriers and Electric Power Companies, as well as the Department’s telecommunications service availability data and any other relevant data available to the Commissioner, to determine if there are areas of the State particularly prone to carrier or power outages and assess whether locations in those areas may be vulnerable to extended periods of time without access to E-911 service.

VT LEG #387431 v.1 AS PASSED BY HOUSE H.898 Page 6 of 6 (1) all customers impacted by the transition from a copper-based network to a fiber-based network are aware of their rights and the carrier’s obligations during the transition;

The Commissioner shall include in the Commissioner’s annual report to the General Assembly findings and recommendations related to the implementation and enforcement of this BILL AS PASSED BY THE HOUSE H.898 Page 7 of 7 section.

VT LEG #387431 v.1