An Act Concerning The Satisfaction Of Telecommunications Quality Of Service Standards And Prohibiting Remote Reconnection Fees.
Summary
SB 545 would expand and update Connecticut’s telecommunications regulatory framework in two main ways. First, it directs the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to establish, monitor, and enforce quality-of-service standards for telephone companies, incumbent local exchange carriers, and certified telecommunications providers regardless of the technology used, including voice over Internet protocol (VoIP). The bill requires semiannual compliance reports, exception reports when standards are missed for more than two consecutive months, and enforcement methodologies that include input from employees, including collective bargaining unit members.
Second, the bill prohibits telecommunications companies from charging a reconnection fee when service is remotely restored after a temporary disconnection of fewer than 14 days. The ban applies regardless of why the service was disconnected, including nonpayment, and whether the reconnection was requested by the customer or initiated by the company. The bill also preserves the ability of providers to require payment of outstanding balances before restoring service, but it creates an exception for certain residential accounts where all adult residents are over 60 or are blind, physically disabled, or intellectually disabled. It excludes fees tied to new account setup or new equipment activation.
Impact
The bill amends existing statutes governing telecommunications regulation, especially section 16-247p and related definitions in section 16-247a, to broaden PURA’s oversight to modern telecommunications services and to formalize reporting and enforcement obligations. It also creates a new statutory prohibition on remote reconnection fees and authorizes PURA to enforce that prohibition, including civil penalties and reimbursement of unlawfully charged fees. The measure would directly affect telephone companies, VoIP providers, certified telecommunications providers, and customers who experience temporary service disconnections.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests generally favorable sentiment toward the bill, though not unanimous. It received joint favorable votes in both the Energy and Technology Committee and the Judiciary Committee, with more support than opposition in each committee. The absence of transcript discussion limits insight into detailed debate, but the committee outcomes indicate broad acceptance of stronger service standards and consumer protections.
Contention
The likely points of contention are the bill’s regulatory and financial burdens on telecommunications providers, including expanded reporting, enforcement exposure, and the ban on remote reconnection fees even in cases of nonpayment. Opponents may view the measure as limiting cost recovery and increasing compliance obligations, while supporters are likely focused on consumer protection, service reliability, and preventing fees for automated reconnections. The special protections for certain older and disabled residential customers also suggest a consumer-advocacy emphasis that may have been a subject of discussion.
An Act Concerning The Satisfaction Of Telecommunications Quality Of Service Standards And Settlements In Contested Proceedings Before The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.