Large nonincumbents. The bill defines "large nonincumbent" as a
telecommunications provider, other than an ILEC, that had 10,000 or more access
lines in the state as of January 1, 2010, and that was initially certified as a TU or an
ATU before January 1, 2011. The bill prohibits a large nonincumbent from charging
intrastate switched access rates that are higher than the rates it charged on January
1, 2011, except for increases that result in mirroring interstate switched access rates.
No later than four years after the bill's effective date, a large nonincumbent must
reduce its intrastate switched access rates by an amount equal to 33 percent of the
difference between its intrastate and interstate switched access rates. No later than
five years after the bill's effective date, a large nonincumbent must further reduce
its intrastate switched access rates by an amount equal to 50 percent of the difference
between its intrastate and interstate switched access rates. No later than six years
after the bill's effective date, a large nonincumbent must further reduce its intrastate
switched access rates to mirror its interstate switched access rates and, beginning
on that date, may not charge intrastate rates that are higher than its interstate
rates.
Other requirements. The bill provides that, except to enforce the above
requirements, the PSC may not investigate, review, or set intrastate switched access
rates for large ILECs, new nonincumbents, or large nonincumbents. Also, during the
four-year period beginning on the bill's effective date, the PSC is prohibited from
investigating, reviewing, or setting the intrastate switched access rates of a "small

ILEC," which the bill defines as an ILEC that, with any ILEC affiliates, had fewer
than 150,000 access lines in this state as of January 1, 2010. In addition, during the
three-year period beginning on the bill's effective date, the PSC is prohibited from
doing the same with respect to a "small nonincumbent," which the bill defines as a
telecommunications provider, other than an ILEC, that had fewer than 10,000 access
lines in the state as of January 1, 2010, and that was initially certified as a TU or an
ATU before January 1, 2011. However, the bill allows the PSC to enforce reductions
in intrastate switched access rates ordered by the PSC prior to the bill's effective
date. Also, the bill allows the PSC to approve certain increases in intrastate switched
access rates that are included in tariff revisions, which are discussed below.
Tariffs
In general. The bill allows, but does not require, a TU or an ATU to do any of
the following: 1) retain on file with the PSC tariffs showing the service rates, tolls,
and charges the TU or ATU has established for some or all services that the TU or
ATU performs in the state; 2) file new tariffs with the PSC for some or all of such
services; 3) withdraw tariffs for any service, except for intrastate switched access
service; and 4) file revised tariffs that change the rates, tolls, charges, or terms and
conditions under tariffs on file with the PSC. Except for changes that constitute
increases in intrastate switched access rates, tariff revisions are effective at the time
specified in the revised tariff as filed with the PSC. Except for new tariffs for
intrastate switched access services, a new tariff is effective on the date specified in
the tariff, unless the PSC, within ten days after the new tariff is filed, suspends the
new tariff. If the PSC suspends a new tariff, the PSC may modify the new tariff only
to the extent that the new tariff violates certain requirements that apply to the TU
or ATU, and only after granting the TU or ATU an opportunity for a hearing. If the
PSC fails to modify the new tariff within deadlines specified in the bill, the new tariff
is effective as filed.
The bill also allows a tariff for a service that permits a TU or an ATU to enter
into an individual contract with an individual customer under rates, terms, or
conditions that are different from those specified for the service in the tariff. Except
for such an individual contract, the bill prohibits a TU or an ATU from receiving for
a service more or less compensation than that specified for the service in a tariff, and
prohibits a TU or an ATU from receiving compensation for a service that is not
specified in a tariff. Also, copies of tariffs filed under the bill must be made available
to consumers in a form and place readily accessible to the public.
Intrastate switched access service. No later than 90 days after the bill's
effective date, a TU or an ATU that provides intrastate switched access service must
have on file with the PSC a tariff showing the rates, tolls, and charges for the service.
The bill provides that the absence of such a tariff before that deadline does not
prohibit a TU or an ATU from charging intrastate switched access rates that comply
with the requirements for intrastate switched access rates described above or that
are charged pursuant to a prior order of the PSC. If a TU or an ATU must file a new
tariff to comply with the foregoing requirement, and the tariff includes intrastate
switched access rates that are higher than the rates the TU or ATU charged on

January 1, 2011, the PSC must approve the tariff, unless certain exceptions are
satisfied.
The PSC is authorized to enforce payment of rates specified in a tariff for
intrastate switched access rates. Once such a tariff is in effect, the bill prohibits a
TU or an ATU from withdrawing the tariff. However, under certain circumstances,
a TU or an ATU may revise the tariff to increase intrastate switched access rates.
The PSC must approve the increase, except for certain specified increases that are
effective at the time specified in a revised tariff.
Interconnected VOIP service
With certain exceptions, the bill provides that interconnected VOIP service is
exempt from PSC regulation. Under the bill, "interconnected VOIP service" has the
same meaning as under federal law, which is a service requiring a broadband
connection and Internet protocol-compatible customer premises equipment that
allows the user to engage in real-time, two-way communication over the public
switched telephone network.
One exception to the exemption is that an entity that provides interconnected
VOIP service must make contributions to the state's universal service fund based on
the entity's revenues from providing intrastate interconnected VOIP service. The
bill specifies the methods for calculating such revenues. Under the other exceptions
to the exemption, a provider of interconnected VOIP service must do the following,
which apply to other telecommunications providers under current law: 1) impose a
monthly police and fire protection fee on its customers; 2) pay assessments for
DATCP enforcement of certain consumer protection requirements; and 3) pay
assessments for a statewide telecommunications relay service. In addition,
interconnected VOIP service is subject to the PSC's authority over interconnection
agreements under current law. The bill also provides that, unless otherwise provided
under federal law, an entity that provides interconnected VOIP service must pay
intrastate switched access rates. Also, unless otherwise provided under federal law,
if the entity provides intrastate switched access service in connection with the
interconnected VOIP service, the entity is allowed to charge intrastate switched
access rates for the service.
Universal service
Under current law, the state's universal service fund is used for, among other
things, supporting programs that promote access to essential and advanced
telecommunications services. Current law requires the PSC to promulgate rules
that define the essential and advanced telecommunications services that must be
available to all customers at affordable prices as a necessary component of universal
service. The essential and advanced telecommunications services must be based on
market, social, economic development, and infrastructure development principles
rather than on specific technologies or providers.
This bill repeals the foregoing requirements regarding PSC rules and requires
instead that certain telecommunications providers make available to their
customers all essential telecommunications services. In addition, the bill eliminates
advanced telecommunications services from the programs supported by the state's
universal service fund. The bill defines "essential telecommunications services" as

services or functionalities listed in a regulation by the Federal Communications
Commission as of January 1, 2010. The bill's requirements apply to a
telecommunications provider that is designated under federal law as a
telecommunications carrier eligible to receive support from the federal universal
service fund. Also, the bill provides that a telecommunications provider may provide
essential telecommunications services itself or through an affiliate or through the
use of any available technology or mode. In addition, the bill limits the requirements
that the PSC may impose on a wireless telecommunications provider that receives
support from the federal universal service fund but does not receive support from the
state's universal service fund.
Basic voice service
The bill requires an ILEC to make basic voice service available to all residential
customers within the ILEC's local exchange area. "Basic voice service" is defined, in
part, as two-way voice communication service within a local calling area. The bill
allows an ILEC to provide basic voice service through an affiliate or through the use
of any available technology or mode.
The bill also allows an ILEC to apply to the PSC for a waiver from the foregoing
requirements. The PSC must grant a waiver if the waiver is in the public interest
or effective competition exists in the local exchange area. If the PSC fails to meet a
120-day deadline for the waiver request, the waiver request is considered granted
by operation of law. In addition, the PSC must grant a waiver if the PSC previously
found that effective competition existed. However, the PSC may not grant a waiver
based on a previous finding of effective competition until after June 1, 2012. If the
PSC fails to meet a 20-day deadline for a waiver request based on a previous finding
of effective competition, the waiver request is considered granted by operation of law.
The bill also provides that decisions of the PSC prior to the effective date of the bill
that eliminate an ILEC's provider of last-resort obligations remain in force and
effect. Finally, the bill provides that none of the bill's basic voice service
requirements apply after April 30, 2013.
Use of transmission equipment and property
Current law requires any person who owns transmission equipment and
property to permit, for reasonable compensation, a public utility or
telecommunications provider to use the equipment and property, if certain
requirements are satisfied. Current law defines "transmission equipment and
property" to include any conduit, subway, pole, tower, transmission wire, or other
equipment, that is on, over, or under any street or highway. The PSC is authorized
to resolve disputes regarding such uses of transmission equipment and property, and
may prescribe reasonable conditions and compensation for such uses.
This bill defines "transmission equipment and property" so that it also includes
any equipment and property that is on, over, or under any right-of-way owned or
controlled by a county, city, village, or town or public utility owned or operated by any
county, city, village, or town. In addition, the bill allows a person granted a video
service or cable television franchise under current law, in addition to a public utility
or telecommunications provider, to use transmission equipment and property under
the foregoing conditions. Also, the bill specifies that pole attachments constitute

transmission equipment and property that are subject to the foregoing
requirements.
Other changes
The bill makes other changes to telecommunications regulation, including the
following:
1. The bill eliminates the conveyance of data or other information from the
definition of "telecommunications service" for purposes of the statutes administered
by the PSC and certain other statutes. As a result, the definition is limited to the
conveyance of voice communication, except that the bill also specifies that the
definition includes switched access service.
2. Under current law, a company that provides telecommunications service
may, subject to municipal regulation and PSC review, maintain lines within public
rights-of-way. Current law does not define "telecommunications service" for this
purpose. The bill defines "telecommunications service" for this purpose to include
the conveyance of voice communication, data, or other information.
3. The bill eliminates a prohibition under current law against TUs and other
telecommunications providers from giving certain preferences to their consumer
retail departments or affiliates.
4. The bill eliminates certain requirements under current law that apply to
certain telecommunications providers regarding issuance of securities, capital
structure, and payment of dividends.
5. The bill exempts telecommunications providers from the PSC's authority to
require public utilities to answer questionnaires and provide certain documents to
the PSC, and the bill clarifies that the PSC's authority to require
telecommunications providers to answer questionnaires applies only to matters
within the PSC's jurisdiction.
For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as
an appendix to this bill.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do
enact as follows:
AB14, s. 1 1Section 1. 20.155 (1) (q) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB14,10,52 20.155 (1) (q) Universal telecommunications service. From the universal
3service fund, the amounts in the schedule for the promotion of universal
4telecommunications service for the purposes specified in s. 196.218 (5) (a) 1. to, 4.,
58. and 9.
AB14, s. 2 6Section 2. 93.01 (1m) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB14,11,9
193.01 (1m) "Business" includes any business, except that of banks, savings
2banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations, and insurance companies.
3"Business" includes public utilities and telecommunications carriers to the extent
4that their activities, beyond registration, notice, and reporting activities, are not
5regulated by the public service commission and includes public utility and
6telecommunications carrier methods of competition or trade and advertising
7practices that are exempt from regulation by the public service commission under s.
8196.195, 196.196, 196.202, 196.203, 196.206, 196.219, or 196.499, or 196.50 (2) (i) or
9by other action of the commission.
AB14, s. 3 10Section 3. 133.07 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB14,11,1811 133.07 (2) This chapter does not prohibit activities of any public utility, as
12defined in s. 196.01 (5), or telecommunications carrier, as defined in s. 196.01 (8m),
13which are required by ch. 196 or rules or orders under ch. 196, activities necessary
14to comply with that chapter or those rules or orders or activities that are actively
15supervised by the public service commission. This subsection does not apply to
16activities of a public utility or telecommunications carrier that are exempt from
17public service commission regulation under s. 196.195, 196.196, 196.202, 196.203,
18196.206, 196.219 or, 196.499, or 196.50 (2) (i) or by other action by the commission.
AB14, s. 4 19Section 4. 182.017 (1g) (cq) of the statutes is created to read:
AB14,11,2320 182.017 (1g) (cq) "Telecommunications service" means the offering for sale of
21the conveyance of voice, data, or other information, including the sale of service for
22collection, storage, forwarding, switching, and delivery incidental to such
23communication regardless of the technology or mode used to make such offering.
AB14, s. 5 24Section 5. 196.01 (1d) (g) of the statutes is created to read:
AB14,12,2
1196.01 (1d) (g) A telecommunications utility certified under s. 196.203
2pursuant to s. 196.50 (2) (j) 1. a.
AB14, s. 6 3Section 6. 196.01 (2s) of the statutes is created to read:
AB14,12,54 196.01 (2s) "Incumbent local exchange carrier" has the meaning given in 47
5USC 251
(h).
AB14, s. 7 6Section 7. 196.01 (3a) of the statutes is created to read:
AB14,12,87 196.01 (3a) "Interconnected voice over Internet protocol service" has the
8meaning given in 47 CFR 9.3.
AB14, s. 8 9Section 8. 196.01 (8d) of the statutes is created to read:
AB14,12,1210 196.01 (8d) "Switched access rates" means the rates, rate elements, and rate
11structure, including all applicable fixed and traffic sensitive charges, that a
12telecommunications provider charges for the provision of switched access services.
AB14, s. 9 13Section 9. 196.01 (8e) of the statutes is created to read:
AB14,12,1614 196.01 (8e) "Switched access service" means the offering of switched access to
15a local exchange network for the purpose of enabling an entity to originate or
16terminate telecommunications service within the local exchange.
AB14, s. 10 17Section 10. 196.01 (9m) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB14,12,2518 196.01 (9m) "Telecommunications service" means the offering for sale of the
19conveyance of voice, data or other information at any frequency over any part of the
20electromagnetic spectrum
communication, including the sale of service for collection,
21storage, forwarding, switching, and delivery incidental to such communication and
22including the regulated sale of customer premises equipment
, regardless of the
23technology or mode used to make such offering. "Telecommunications service"
24includes switched access service
. "Telecommunications service" does not include
25cable service or broadcast service.
AB14, s. 11
1Section 11. 196.01 (12w) of the statutes is created to read:
AB14,13,32 196.01 (12w) (a) "Wholesale telecommunications service" means, except as
3provided in par. (b), a service that satisfies all of the following:
AB14,13,54 1. The service is provided by a telecommunications provider to another
5telecommunications provider other than an affiliate, as defined in s. 196.212 (1) (a).
AB14,13,66 2. The service is subject to regulation by the commission under this chapter.
AB14,13,87 3. The service is subsequently used in the provision of a telecommunications
8service to retail end users.
AB14,13,109 (b) "Wholesale telecommunications service" does not include switched access
10service.
AB14, s. 12 11Section 12. 196.016 of the statutes is created to read:
AB14,13,17 12196.016 Relationship to certain federal telecommunications law.
13Except as provided in s. 196.50 (2) (j) 2. and 3., nothing in this chapter is intended
14to either reduce or expand the scope and application of the federal
15Telecommunications Act of 1996, P.L. 104-104, including the jurisdiction and
16authority granted to the commission thereunder, and the commission may take any
17action that the commission is authorized to take under that federal act.
AB14, s. 13 18Section 13. 196.02 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB14,14,219 196.02 (2) Definition; classification. In this subsection, "public utility" does
20not include a telecommunications cooperative, an unincorporated
21telecommunications cooperative association, or a small telecommunications utility
22except as provided under s. 196.205 or 196.215 (2) and does not include an alternative
23telecommunications utility.
The commission shall provide for a comprehensive
24classification of service for each public utility. The classification may take into
25account the quantity used, the time when used, the purpose for which used, and any

1other reasonable consideration. Each public utility shall conform its schedules of
2rates, tolls and charges to such classification.
AB14, s. 14 3Section 14. 196.04 (1) (a) 1. of the statutes is renumbered 196.04 (1) (a) 4. and
4amended to read:
AB14,14,75 196.04 (1) (a) 4. "Transmission equipment and property" means any conduit,
6subway, pole, tower, transmission wire, or other equipment on, over, or under any
7right-of-way owned or controlled by a political subdivision, street, or highway.
AB14, s. 15 8Section 15. 196.04 (1) (a) 3. of the statutes is created to read:
AB14,14,109 196.04 (1) (a) 3. "Political subdivision" means any county, city, village, or town
10or public utility owned or operated by any county, city, village, or town.
AB14, s. 16 11Section 16. 196.04 (1) (b) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:
AB14,14,1812 196.04 (1) (b) 1. Any person who owns transmission equipment and property
13shall permit, for reasonable compensation, the use of the transmission equipment
14and property, including an attachment to a pole, by any public utility, video service
15provider,
or telecommunications provider if public convenience and necessity require
16such use and if the use will not result in irreparable injury to any owner or user of
17the transmission equipment and property or in any substantial detriment to the
18service to be rendered by the owner or user.
AB14, s. 17 19Section 17. 196.04 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB14,15,1420 196.04 (2) If there is a failure to agree upon the use of transmission equipment
21and property under sub. (1) or the conditions or compensation for the use, or if there
22is a failure to agree upon the physical connections or the terms and conditions upon
23which the physical connections shall be made, any public utility, any video service
24provider,
telecommunications provider, or any other interested person interested
25may apply to the commission. If, after investigation, the commission determines

1that public convenience and necessity require the use of the transmission equipment
2and property
or the physical connections and that the use or physical connections
3will not result in irreparable injury to the owner or other users of the transmission
4equipment and property or of the facilities of the public utility, video service provider,
5or telecommunications provider
or in any substantial detriment to the service to be
6rendered by the owner or the public utility, video service provider,
7telecommunications provider,
or other users of the transmission equipment and
8property or facilities, the commission, by order, shall direct that the use of the
9transmission equipment and property
be permitted and that the physical
10connections be made. The commission shall prescribe reasonable conditions and
11compensation for the use of the transmission equipment and property and shall
12determine how and within what time the physical connections shall be made and by
13whom the expense of making and maintaining the physical connections shall be paid.
14An order under this subsection may be revised by the commission.
AB14, s. 18 15Section 18. 196.09 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB14,16,216 196.09 (1) In this section, "public utility" does not include a
17telecommunications cooperative or an unincorporated telecommunications
18cooperative association except as provided under s. 196.205. In subs. (2) to (7),
19"public utility" does not include a telecommunications utility. Subsection (9) only
20applies to a telecommunications utility
. Every public utility shall file with the
21commission, within such time as may be required by the commission, its estimate of
22the annual rate of depreciation required for each of its classes of fixed capital used
23for public utility purposes, and of the composite annual rate of depreciation required
24for such fixed capital as an aggregate, which shall constitute the public utility's

1estimates of the amount which should be returned to it out of its rates for service, to
2meet the depreciation of its property.
AB14, s. 19 3Section 19. 196.09 (9) of the statutes is repealed.
AB14, s. 20 4Section 20. 196.11 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB14,16,135 196.11 (2) Any arrangement under this section shall be under the supervision
6and regulation of the commission. The commission may order any rate, charge or
7regulation which the commission deems necessary to give effect to the arrangement.
8The commission may make any change in a rate, charge or regulation as the
9commission determines is necessary and reasonable and may revoke its approval
10and amend or rescind all orders relative to any arrangement. This subsection does
11not apply to telecommunications cooperatives, unincorporated telecommunications
12cooperative associations, or telecommunications utilities except as provided in s.
13196.205
.
AB14, s. 21 14Section 21. 196.13 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB14,16,1915 196.13 (2) The commission shall publish in its reports the value of all the
16property actually used and useful for the convenience of the public of a public utility,
17other than a telecommunications utility,
if the commission has held a hearing on the
18public utility's rates, charges, service or regulations or if the commission has
19otherwise determined the value of the public utility's property.
AB14, s. 22 20Section 22. 196.19 (1m) of the statutes is repealed.
AB14, s. 23 21Section 23. 196.19 (5) of the statutes is repealed.
AB14, s. 24 22Section 24. 196.191 of the statutes is created to read:
AB14,17,15 23196.191 Telecommunications utility and alternative
24telecommunications utility tariffs.
(1) No later than the 90th day beginning
25after the effective date of this subsection .... [LRB inserts date], any

1telecommunications utility or alternative telecommunications utility that provides
2intrastate switched access service within this state shall at all times have on file with
3the commission a tariff showing all rates, tolls, and charges that it has established
4and that are in force for such intrastate switched access service. The absence of such
5a tariff before the 90th day beginning after the effective date of this subsection ....
6[LRB inserts date], shall not prohibit a telecommunications utility or alternative
7telecommunications utility from charging intrastate switched access rates for any
8intrastate switched access service that it provides, or limit or excuse any entity from
9its obligation to pay intrastate switched access rates, provided that such intrastate
10switched access rates comply with the requirements of ss. 196.212 and 196.219 (2r).
11A telecommunications utility or alternative telecommunications utility may not
12withdraw a tariff for switched access service once the tariff is in effect. Except as
13allowed under this section or to comply with ss. 196.212 and 196.219 (2r), a
14telecommunications utility or alternative telecommunications utility may not file to
15change the rates, tolls, and charges shown in a tariff for switched access service.
AB14,17,18 16(2) Except as provided in this section and s. 196.212, notwithstanding anything
17in this chapter to the contrary, any telecommunications utility or alternative
18telecommunications utility may do any of the following:
AB14,18,319 (a) Retain on file with the commission tariffs already on file with the
20commission as of the effective date of this paragraph .... [LRB inserts date], showing
21the rates, tolls, and charges and the terms and conditions that the
22telecommunications utility or alternative telecommunications utility has
23established as of the effective date of this paragraph .... [LRB inserts date], for some
24or all of the services performed by the telecommunications utility or alternative
25telecommunications utility within the state or for any service in connection

1therewith or performed by any telecommunications utility or alternative
2telecommunications utility controlled or operated by the telecommunications utility
3or alternative telecommunications utility.
AB14,18,114 (b) File with the commission new tariffs showing the rates, tolls, and charges
5and the terms and conditions that the telecommunications utility or alternative
6telecommunications utility has established, as provided in the tariff filings, for some
7or all of the services performed by the telecommunications utility or alternative
8telecommunications utility within the state or for any service in connection
9therewith or performed by any telecommunications utility or alternative
10telecommunications utility controlled or operated by the telecommunications utility
11or alternative telecommunications utility.
AB14,18,1312 (c) Except as provided in sub. (1), withdraw a tariff for any service by providing
13notice to the commission.
AB14,18,1814 (d) 1. Except as provided in subd. 2., change the rates, tolls, and charges and
15the terms and conditions of a tariff on file with the commission by filing a revised
16tariff with the commission. Except as provided in subd. 2., a proposed change in a
17tariff shall be effective at the time specified in the revised tariff as filed with the
18commission.
AB14,18,2519 2. No change in a tariff that constitutes an increase in intrastate switched
20access rates may be made unless the change is consistent with the public interest
21factors set forth in s. 196.03 (6) and does not violate ss. 196.212 and 196.219 (2r) and
22the commission by order, after investigation and opportunity for a hearing, approves
23the change, except that an increase in intrastate switched access rates shall be
24effective at the time specified in the revised tariff as filed with the commission, if
25either of the following is satisfied:
AB14,19,3
1a. The increase results in the intrastate switched access rates mirroring the
2interstate switched access rates for the telecommunications utility or alternative
3telecommunications utility.
AB14,19,94 b. If the telecommunications utility or alternative telecommunications utility
5is a small telecommunications utility, the increase does not violate s. 196.212 or
6196.219 (2r), does not exceed, in any 12-month period, the percentage increase in the
7U.S. consumer price index for all urban consumers, U.S. city average, for the
8previous year, and is not greater than the corresponding increase in interstate
9switched access rates for the small telecommunications utility.
AB14,19,12 10(3) (a) Except as provided in par. (b), if a telecommunications utility or
11alternative telecommunications utility files a new tariff under sub. (2) (b), all of the
12following apply:
AB14,19,1813 1. The new tariff shall become effective on the date specified in the tariff, unless
14the commission suspends the operation of the new tariff upon serving a written
15notice of the suspension on the telecommunications utility or alternative
16telecommunications utility within 10 days after the date of filing. The notice shall
17include a statement of the reason under subd. 2. upon which the commission believes
18the tariff may be modified.
AB14,19,2219 2. The commission may modify the new tariff after an opportunity for a hearing
20only to the extent that the tariff violates s. 196.209, 196.212, or 196.219 and only to
21the extent that s. 196.209, 196.212, or 196.219 applies to the telecommunications
22utility or alternative telecommunications utility.
Loading...
Loading...