An Act to repeal 196.503; to amend 196.203 (1g) (b) and 196.50 (2) (j) 1. b. of the statutes; Relating to: requirement for certain telecommunications providers to provide basic voice service.
Summary
SB395 revises Wisconsin telecommunications regulation by repealing s. 196.503 and amending provisions governing alternative telecommunications utilities and recertified telecommunications utilities. The bill removes a statutory requirement tied to certain providers’ obligation to offer basic voice service, while preserving a limited set of regulatory provisions that continue to apply to those providers. It also updates the recertification process so that, upon notice, the Public Service Commission must issue an order within 30 days granting recertification and applying only the specific statutory requirements listed in the bill.
More specifically, the bill narrows the regulatory framework for certain telecommunications providers by exempting them from most provisions of ch. 196, subject to enumerated exceptions. It also preserves limited oversight for wholesale telecommunications services and allows the commission, if required by the public interest, to impose certain switched-access-related provisions. The bill further provides that recertification terminates the prior certification and any inconsistent regulatory requirements, unless the provider requests to remain subject to selected prior requirements and the commission approves that request.
Impact
The bill amends Wisconsin statutes governing telecommunications utilities, especially s. 196.203 and s. 196.50, and repeals s. 196.503 outright. Its practical effect is to reduce or eliminate a basic voice service mandate for certain telecommunications providers and to streamline the regulatory obligations that apply after recertification. Affected parties include alternative telecommunications utilities, recertified telecommunications utilities, and the Public Service Commission, which gains a more ministerial role in issuing recertification orders under the new framework.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate, support, or opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to reflect a deregulatory or modernization approach to telecommunications oversight, with the legislature choosing to narrow legacy service obligations and simplify certification rules. The enacted status suggests the proposal ultimately received sufficient support to become law.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the repeal of the basic voice service requirement in s. 196.503, which could be viewed as reducing consumer service protections or universal-service expectations. Another likely issue is the bill’s broad exemption of certain providers from most of chapter 196, which may concern consumer advocates, rural service interests, or regulators who favor stronger oversight. On the other hand, telecommunications providers and proponents of regulatory flexibility would likely support the bill’s reduction of compliance burdens and its clearer recertification process.
Crossfiled
An Act to repeal 196.503; to amend 196.203 (1g) (b) and 196.50 (2) (j) 1. b. of the statutes; Relating to: requirement for certain telecommunications providers to provide basic voice service.