Ind. legislators passed a telecom and video franchise reform bill...

Daniels (R) as expected, HB-1279 will make the Utility Regulatory Commission (URC) the exclusive Ind. video franchise agency. The bill would bar any state-imposed video build-out requirements and neighborhood red-lining based on income. It would set terms by which video providers can end existing municipal franchises to get a state franchise. The bill would preserve local authority over rights of way, but bar any bias in ROW access terms based on technology or type of firm. 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. The URC could not exercise wholesale service authority over interconnection, resale and network unbundling beyond what’s delegated to it under federal law and FCC policy. It would keep URC complaint jurisdiction to matters involving slamming and cramming, entry control, universal service, relay services, 911 and other abbreviated dialing codes, and service quality. AT&T said the legislation “will help deliver more competition for cable television by encouraging the deployment of next-generation video services.”