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Telecommunications

      
   
Telecommunication Industry Overview
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The Telecommunications Division is responsible for overseeing the wholesale and provider-to-provider portions of the telecommunications industry in Wisconsin. The Division does not regulate most retail offerings. The Commission regulates those services and providers that are subject to PSC jurisdiction within the mandates and direction of state law and related requirements of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Focus of the Division

  • Promote competition
  • Oversee the providers of wholesale telecommunications services in the state:

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    • Certify new Wisconsin providers.
    • Arbitrate interconnection agreements between providers and approve negotiated agreements.
    • Resolve interconnection disputes between service providers.

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  • Designate Eligible Telecommunications Carriers as defined by the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and federal Communications Commission rules and regulations.
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  • Administer Universal Service Fund programs:

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    • Telephone Equipment Purchase Program (TEPP)
    • Lifeline and Link-up
    • Telemedicine grants
    • Grants to non-profit organizations for projects that promote universal service
    • High rate assistance credits

     
  • Spearhead broadband planning and mapping under a grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA):

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