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TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 58-9-281 SO AS TO REQUIRE A COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER TO PROVIDE BROADBAND SERVICE TO CONSUMERS LOCATED IN ITS SERVICE AREA.
Whereas, the General Assembly finds that continuing our universal service commitment by assuring the continued affordability and widespread availability of high-quality telecommunications services to all South Carolinians is in the best interest of the State; and
Whereas, universal service promotes economic growth, job creation, and substantial social benefits that result from the rapid implementation of advanced information and communications technologies by adequate long-term investment in necessary infrastructure; and
Whereas, universal service encourages fair treatment of consumers through provision of sufficient information for making informed choices, establishment of reasonable service quality standards, and establishment of processes for equitable resolution of billing and service problems; and
Whereas, the State should require the development and deployment of new technologies and the equitable provision of services in a way that efficiently meets consumer needs and encourages the ubiquitous availability of a wide choice of state-of-the-art services; Now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Article 3, Chapter 9, Title 58 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 58-9-281. Notwithstanding another provision of law or regulation to the contrary, a communications service provider must provide broadband service to consumers located in its service territory in the State. If the provider does not provide broadband service to consumers in its territory, another communications service provider may enter the territory and serve consumers located in the territory."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
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