IND. LEGISLATORS PASS TELECOM AND VIDEO FRANCHISE REFORM

摘要

Ind. legislators passed a telecom and video franchise reform bill ending retail phone rate controls by 2009 and making Ind. the 2nd state after Tex. to move video franchising from municipalities to the state. If signed by Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) as expected, HB-1279 will make the Utility Regulatory Commission (URC) the exclusive Ind. video franchise agency. On the telecom side, VoIP, broadband, wireless and information services would come out from under state jurisdiction. Rates for non-basic telecom services would be deregulated instantly, with rate regulation of basic services phased out by mid-2009, except for a requirement to offer a flat-rate unlimited local calling option. Telecom providers would have to offer broadband to at least 50% of customers within 18 months of their first basic-service rate increase.