Technology (Telecommunications)

This legislative resolution directs the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee to conduct an interim study on wireless connectivity issues in Nebraska. The study will examine policies related to fees and costs that wireless providers face when seeking permits to install infrastructure in municipalities and other jurisdictions. The resolution specifically looks at how high permit fees, consultant charges, and upfront retainer requirements may impact the deployment of wireless networks needed to meet growing public demand for mobile data services. The committee will review practices used by other states and federal regulations to gather findings and recommendations for potential future legislation. This action is intended to inform future policy decisions rather than immediately changing existing laws.

LB 1082 requires Nebraska telecommunications companies to protect subscribers from unwanted calls and texts originating from unauthenticated North American Numbering Plan numbers. It specifically mandates that companies prevent fraudulent caller identification information that misleads customers about the source of calls. This duty directly affects all telecom providers operating in Nebraska and their customers who receive such communications. The bill amends Nebraska's Telecommunications Regulation Act to add this requirement, harmonizing it with federal definitions of the North American Numbering Plan.

This bill expands protections under Nebraska's One-Call Notification System Act by broadening the definition of unlawful interference to include disruptions to telecommunications, broadband, communications, and power transmission infrastructure. It directly affects individuals who intentionally damage or interfere with utility poles, cables, or transmission systems. The key change replaces the original language to explicitly cover these infrastructure types, making it a violation to disrupt such services. Penalties for violations will now follow the existing provisions in section 28-519 of Nebraska law. The bill does not create new penalties but updates the scope of existing protections.