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House votes to remove basic residential telephone rate cap, expanding pricing flexibility
Summary
HB216 (Telecommunications Pricing Flexibility) and a related UCAN bill (HB75) passed the House; sponsor argued deregulation reflects market change and cited Quest’s low basic rate to argue no immediate consumer harm, while members sought projections of possible rate increases.
The Utah House on Jan. 29 approved legislation easing constraints on basic residential telephone rates and reorganized representation for a statewide public‑safety communications network.
Representative Fred Hunsaker presented HB216 to remove the statutory cap on basic residential telephone service rates, saying the telecommunications marketplace — including wireless and voice‑over‑Internet options — had rendered the old regulatory standard unworkable. He cited Quest’s basic residential rate of $11 monthly (noted as the lowest among the states Quest serves) and emphasized existing safety valves: lifeline/discount service options for low‑income customers and Public Service Commission authority to revoke pricing flexibility if abused.
Members asked whether the bill presumes specific rate increases; Hunsaker said he had no numerical projection and that market forces will determine rates, noting Quest had not raised its basic residential rate since 1998. The House voted 73–0 to pass HB216. Separately, HB75, which increases UCAN executive committee membership to include Cache and Washington counties, was presented and passed 71–0; UCAN provides critical communications for public safety and the bill changes board composition to reflect geographic growth.
Both bills will be transmitted to the Senate.
