SF0051

Amends the Wyoming Telecommunications Act by extending its sunset date, revising definitions, clarifying regulatory scope, imposing universal service fund charges on prepaid wireless service, and restricting local government exclusive broadband agreements.

• Extends the sunset date of the Wyoming Telecommunications Act from July 1, 2025 to July 1, 2031. (W.S. 37-15-101(b), Sec. 1)
• Adds definitions for 'broadband internet access service,' 'noncompetitive essential telecommunications services,' and 'noncompetitive local exchange service' to clarify regulatory scope. (W.S. 37-15-103(a)(xviii), W.S. 37-15-103(a)(ix), W.S. 37-15-103(a)(xix))
• Clarifies that the title applies to noncompetitive essential telecommunications services and wireless services only to the extent specified, including universal service fund contributions and certain regulatory requirements. (W.S. 37-15-104(a), W.S. 37-15-104(b))
• Modifies price schedule filing requirements to allow electronic filing in simplified format rather than traditional tariff formatting, eliminating paper filing requirements. (W.S. 37-15-204(a), Sec. 1)
• Establishes limitations on local governments entering exclusive agreements for telecommunications or broadband internet access service, requiring competitive bidding processes and nondiscriminatory access to rights-of-way. (W.S. 37-15-413(a), W.S. 37-15-413(b), W.S. 37-15-413(d))
• Imposes universal service fund charges on prepaid wireless telecommunications access beginning July 1, 2026, with the charge collected by sellers and remitted to the Department of Revenue. (W.S. 37-15-501(j), Sec. 1)
• Establishes the calculation, collection, and remittance procedures for prepaid wireless charges, including seller retention of 3% for administrative costs and Department of Revenue retention of 1% for administrative expenses. (W.S. 37-15-501(j)(viii), W.S. 37-15-501(j)(ix))
• Authorizes the commission to adopt rules regarding interconnection, telephone number portability, service resale, and wholesale rates and conditions for telecommunications companies. (W.S. 37-15-404(e))