Texas Utilities Code

§ 51.001 — POLICY

UT § 51.001Title 2. PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATORY ACT · Part C. TELECOMMUNICATIONS UTILITIES · Ch. 51. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Statute text

(a)Significant changes have occurred in telecommunications since the law from which this title is derived was originally adopted. Communications providers, including providers not subject to state regulation, such as wireless communications providers and Voice over Internet Protocol providers, have made investments in this state and broadened the range of communications choices available to consumers. To encourage and accelerate the development of a competitive and advanced telecommunications environment and infrastructure, rules, policies, and principles must be reformulated to reduce regulation of incumbent local exchange companies, ensure fair business practices, and protect the public interest.

(b)It is the policy of this state to:

(1)promote diversity of telecommunications providers and interconnectivity;

(2)encourage a fully competitive telecommunications marketplace; and

(3)maintain a wide availability of high quality, interoperable, standards-based telecommunications services at affordable rates.

(c)The policy goals described by Subsection (b) are best achieved by legislation that modernizes telecommunications regulation by:

…

Legislative history

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 98 (S.B. 980), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.