Relative to telephone number and area code conservation.
If enacted, SB603 empowers the Department to reclaim telephone numbering resources and ensure compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations regarding thousands-block number pooling. Telecommunications providers, including those offering voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, will fall under the Department's jurisdiction regarding numbering management. The legislation reformulates the operational landscape for telecommunications in New Hampshire, compelling providers to adhere strictly to the state's updated mandates.
Senate Bill 603 (SB603) addresses the urgent need for telephone number conservation measures in New Hampshire, particularly for the 603 area code. The bill enables the Department of Energy and the Public Utilities Commission to adopt necessary regulations to extend the lifespan of the telephone number supplies by enforcing compliance among all telecommunications service providers. This is crucial as the area code is approaching exhaustion, and without intervention, residents and businesses may face challenges in acquiring new phone numbers.
The sentiment surrounding SB603 is largely supportive, as it responds to a pressing state issue. Legislators and stakeholders recognize the importance of maintaining adequate numbering resources to meet demand. However, there could be some contention among service providers regarding the assessments and regulatory compliance requirements imposed by the Department, which may view these measures as an additional burden.
Key points of contention may include the nature and extent of the assessments levied upon telecommunications service providers. The bill suggests an indeterminable financial impact, raising concerns among service providers who might argue that such requirements could increase operational costs. Moreover, while the bill aims to streamline the management of numbering resources, there might be apprehension about the effectiveness of state interventions compared to market-driven solutions.