Internet Reliability Act

HB 2991, the Internet Reliability Act, would reclassify Internet Service Providers (ISPs) as telecommunications utilities under West Virginia law, bringing them under the regulatory oversight of the Public Service Commission (PSC). This change directly affects ISPs operating in West Virginia, subjecting them to the same rate-setting, service standard, and accountability rules currently applied to traditional phone and cable companies. The bill amends §24-2-1 of the West Virginia Code to explicitly include ISPs in the definition of "public utilities" subject to PSC jurisdiction. The bill was introduced on February 26, 2025, and referred to the House Energy and Public Works Committee, with no further action taken as of the provided date.