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Committee backs extension of Georgia's universal access fund to keep landline 911 coverage in rural areas
Summary
The Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee recommended do-pass on HB 998, which would extend Georgia's universal access program and fund through Dec. 31, 2040, allow certain small local exchange carriers to opt in, and add statutory audits, PSC reporting and a $50 million annual disbursement cap.
Representative Leverett presented House Bill 998 and told the committee the measure would extend the state's universal access program and universal access fund, created by the General Assembly in 1995, from its current scheduled expiration (disbursements through 2030) to Dec. 31, 2040 and allow some smaller tier-2 local exchange companies to elect to participate.
The sponsor said the fund's purpose is to preserve affordable basic voice service in rural areas that 'might not be served if left to market forces' and to ensure residents can reach 911 where cell coverage is…
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