Directs the public service commission to prepare and complete a comprehensive examination and study of the telecommunications industry in this state

5 Co-sponsors

• Leroy Comrie
• Timothy M. Kennedy
• George Latimer
• Thomas F. O'Mara
• Kevin S. Parker

BILL NUMBER:S4463A

Title of bill

An act in relation to directing the public service commission to prepare and complete a comprehensive examination and study of the telecommunications industry in this state

Purpose or general idea of bill

To require the Public Service Commission ("PSC") to conduct and complete its analysis and study on the telecommunications industry in this State.

Summary of specific provisions

Section one of the bill mandates the PSC to conduct and complete a comprehensive study of this State's telecommunications industry.

Section two sets forth the contents of the study, including:

* an inventory of all available telecommunications networks, including fiber-to-the premises, cable, wireless and landline technologies, regardless of their regulatory status;

* the status of competition for telecommunication services and networks in this state;

* the actual costs and revenues for each service, technology or network or a reasonable estimate of such costs and revenue;

* the adequacy of the commission's current definition or list of basic services that all customers are entitled to, including what services are technologically available for inclusion in a basic service list; and

* whether the current level of capital expenditures by providers for maintaining and repairing the copper wireline network is adequate to ensure quality and reliability of service.

Section three describes the public review process for the study and report, including the date for submission of the final report, by December 31, 2015

Section four requires the commission to provide an explanatory letter to the governor and legislative leaders if it fails to meet the deadlines.

Section five provides that the effective date is immediate.

Justification

Since the telecommunications industry was de-regulated in this State some 20 years ago, New Yorkers continue to pay among the highest rates in the Nation for telecommunication services, while concerns remain regarding service quality, options and reliability. In May of 2014, the chair of the PSC informed State legislative leaders that it has commenced, and will complete by the end of March, 2015, a comprehensive study and analysis of the telecommunications industry in this State, exploring, among other things, quality of service, consumer protection, and affordability.

The legislature recently learned that the PSC will not meet its own announced deadline, and has not indicated a new release date. This

delay is unacceptable, and will hurt New Yorkers, The study will determine, among other things, whether the current fees and charges are unjust or unreasonable, whether the services being provided are adequate or reliable, and whether the basic needs of low-income customers, in particular, senior citizens, the disabled population and rural customers, are being addressed and met.

Prior legislative history

New bill

Fiscal implications

None

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.