Overview

Who regulates telecommunications at the Federal level?
Telecommunications are regulated at the Federal level by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Who regulates intrastate telecommunications?
Intrastate communications are regulated by the state public utility/service commissions.

What does the FCC also regulate but to a lesser extent and why?
To a lesser extent, the FCC also regulates Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) because it's a jurisdictionally mixed service.

What do all states and the District of Columbia regulate?
All states and the District of Columbia regulate intrastate telecommunications including portions of VoIP service.

What do most states have in common when it comes to regulating telecommunications?
When it comes to regulating telecommunications, most states require telecommunications providers to register with the state public utilities/service commission.

What do some states require particular types of carriers to do?
Some states require particular types of carriers to file tariffs for applicable services.

What do half of all states require carriers to contribute to?
Half of all states require carriers to contribute to state universal service funds and other similar programs.

What do some states and many localities collect from carriers?
Some states and many localities collect emergency 911 fees from carriers.

What two things do states not have jurisdiction over?
Two things states don't have jurisdiction over include:

  1. Information services.
  2. Wireless services.