Telecommunications Technology & Regulation

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Telecommunications technologies and the rapid changes they bring have created significant policy challenges for state lawmakers.  NCSL tracks broadband issues, 911, enhanced 911, NG911, video franchising, wireless communications and other telecommunications issues. 

High-speed broadband is considered by many to be a fundamental vehicle for new services and applications that are critical to the nation’s economic vitality. State legislative involvement has been critical to successful implementation of a variety of broadband projects. NCSL has information regarding state broadband statutes, as well as information on enacted legislation from 2010, 2009, and additional years.

The design of the current 9-1-1 system is based on circuit switched equipment, not data-based communications. Yet, text messaging and instant messaging are increasingly becoming more common methods of communication compared to the traditional two way voice telephone calls. Our nation’s 9-1-1 system is being pushed to the brink as technology in the hands of consumers rapidly outpaces the capabilities of the current system. States have enacted a variety of laws that update the current 9-1-1 system. Information on enacted Enhanced 9-1-1 legislation is available for 2010, 2009, and previous years. Information on Next-Generation 9-1-1 legislation is available for 2010. 

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