Governor John Lynch of New Hampshire signed Senate Bill 48 into law. The bill, sponsored by Republican State Senator Bob Odell, who says that he put forward the bill to encourage continued investment in the state’s telecommunications infrastructure.

“Today’s communications landscape offers consumers more choice of providers and services than at any other time in history,” said Odell. “This new law recognizes that the telecommunications industry has changed.

“The New Hampshire telecommunications industry is no longer a monopoly environment, but rather a competitive environment with more than 30 providers.”

The Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 was designed to break up the telecommunications monopoly held by companies like AT&T (News - Alert). After the Telecommunications Act, anyone could enter into the telecommunications business, and market competition became free and open.

Under SB 48, the VoIP industry as well as landline carriers will be deregulated, which will put them on a level playing field with cable and wireless providers.

The Public Utilities Commission initially had reservations about the bill. However, Odell and his co-sponsors presented amended language to ensure that the PUC could continue to regulate both safety and rights of way related to telecommunications. Additionally, the agency can continue to punish “slamming,” which is switching carriers without the customer’s knowledge, and “cramming,” which involves putting unauthorized charges onto customer bills.

Two major telecommunications providers, FairPoint and Comcast (News - Alert), testified before the state senate in support of the bill. “The legislation puts in place much needed regulatory reform reflecting today’s competitive realities,” noted Pat McHugh, FairPoint’s New Hampshire state president, in a press release.

“The current regulatory system, which was created 100 years ago, has become completely outdated because of changes in the telecommunications marketplace.  The law is a good step forward, which ensures a level playing field for all telecommunication providers, fosters continued competition and ensures a free market for telecommunication services.”

SB 48 was supported by a broad coalition, including telecommunications providers, cable and wireless companies, industry trade groups, New Hampshire Legal Assistance and the Department of Resources and Economic Development.