BILL: House Bill 1132

SUBJECT: Requires all resellers of telecommunications to acquire an annual license from the Public Service Commission. The fee for the license is $100 per year.

DESCRIPTION: The Public Service Commission will require licenses for all resellers of telecommunications services, whether it be local or long distance services offered. The Commission estimates that there are approximately 450 long distance resellers that have been given certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity in the State, but the agency does not know how many of them are still in business or if they have North Dakota customers. The legislation also allows the Public Service Commission to require "evidence of financial soundness", gives the PSC control over the application form and process and establishes rules for revocation of the license.

IMPACT ON INDEPENDENT TELEPHONE COMPANIES: Members of the Association believe there are other avenues available for the Public Service Commission to determine whether a provider is offering service in the State. At the same time the Commission maintains there is no record of who is providing service, the State Secretary of State requires each business operating in North Dakota to have an annual license.

ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDATION: Oppose HB 1132

January, 2003