New York Seeks Comment on State's Telecom
The New York State Public Service Commission seeks comment on an assessment of the state of telecom there, said PSC news release. The assessment considers technologies used, availability and trends, consumption adoption patterns and regulatory interests associated with each segment.…
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Over the next several months, the PSC will conduct six public forums across the state as it charts a future course for telecom policy and regulatory oversight, it said. The commission is performing the evaluation because evolution of technology spurred by the development of the Internet and broadband is profoundly changing the fundamental concept of communication services in the state, it said. “The Internet and broadband have emerged as a powerful technology, and as a result, existing rules governing the mechanisms, business models and regulatory construct for overseeing voice, cable and broadband communications, some of which were put in place decades ago, need to be examined to ensure that they are adequate to meet today’s consumer needs,” said Commission Chair Audrey Zibelman. In response to growing competition in voice services, the commission and the legislature previously opted to streamline the regulatory process to allow more flexibility and reduce regulatory burdens to ensure traditional carriers remain competitive, the PSC said. The PSC said the regulatory interests include the maintenance of public safety communications, including the provision of advanced next-generation E-911 to all New Yorkers; reliable, resilient and open network architecture; affordable rates; service quality standards; universal service; and consumer protections. It must also consider new priorities that include the promotion and availability of world-class advanced voice, video and broadband services to all New Yorkers regardless of their location or economic status, the agency said.