Governor Jerry Brown today signed SB 1161 that prohibits the Public Utilities Commission or any other state agency to regulate Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or Internet Protocol-enabled service providers.
Senate Bill 1161 was authored by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima).
?This bill encourages the continued growth of these (VoIP) and other innovative services that have become a hallmark of our state,? Brown said in a signing statement addressed to members of the California State Senate. ?The existing consumer protections safeguarded by this bill are crucial.?
Current federal law states that while ?telecommunications service? like landline telephones are subject to regulation regarding terms of service, rates, and access to the 911 emergency line, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has not regulated ?information service? like the Internet.
On a state level, telecommunications services are regulated by PUC. Neither PUC nor the FCC has stated whether VoIP services are considered telecommunication or information services and has declined to regulate it the way it does telephone companies.
SB 1161 states that without authorization by statute, either by the state or by federal law, PUC cannot impose regulations on VoIP services. SB 1161 does maintain regulations requiring the maintenance of the 911 emergency line, the maintenance of backup power systems, and allowing enforcement of state and federal consumer protection laws.
Supporters of the bill include TechAmerica, AT&T, the California Chamber of Commerce, and the Voice on the Net Coalition.
Groups opposing the bill include the American Association of Retired Persons, the American Civil Liberties Union of California, the Town of Fairfax, and the Utility Workers Union of America.
About Amy Stewart
Amy Stewart served as science and technology editor for the California Aggie.greg mortenson jim marshall died 2013 toyota avalon the secret life of bees full moon aubrey o day masters live
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