Commission Will Replace Chapter 206 Which Sets the Standards for Telecommunications Carriers to Qualify to Receive Federal Universal Service Fund Support
On March 25, 2024, Governor Mills signed P.L. 2023, ch. 568, An Act to Improve Access to Affordable Wireless Communications by Allowing the Public Utilities Commission to Designate Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (the ETC Act).
The ETC Act did not grant the PUC any new authority; instead, it reinforced the PUC’s existing authority to certify any commercial mobile service provider or telecommunications company for the limited purposes of receiving Federal universal service support and offering services supported by federal universal service programs.
On October 9, 2024, the PUC opened an Inquiry to receive comments on the process for certifying Lifeline-only ETCs (Docket No. 2024-00272). After considering the comments provided in the Inquiry, on March 16, the PUC opened a rulemaking proceeding and shared its proposed new Chapter 206 (Docket No. 2026-00020.) Among other changes, the new rule would now have a “stand-alone” section for review of Lifeline-Only ETCs. Initial comments are due on April 10 and a public hearing will be held on April 16.