Introduced by Sen. Pat Apple (R) on January 20, 2009, in his role as a committee chairman, to permit a local exchange carrier, when designated as the telephone service provider of last resort, to use alternative technology to traditional land line based telephone service to meet its obligations. The state's provider of last resort law is intented to assure Kansans in remote locations they will be able to receive affordable telephone service. The alternative technology would be required to deliver features comparable to land line service, such as touchtone dialing, access to E-911 emergency services, and access to "800" services. The price of the alternative technology would also need to be comparable to traditional voice service.
Referred to the Senate Utilites Committee on January 21, 2009.