Sm. to Lg. phone systems, phone & internet svc, VOIP & networking
blmlive.com/cln /keating /index.htm
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www.lcwiring.com
Our fixe phone solutions to save money on your calls.
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Award-Winning Ad Agency Since 1989 Effectively Reach Target Audiences.
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The Commission has regulatory responsibility for incorporating, Securities, Railroad and Pipeline Safety, as well as Utilities.
www.cc.state.az.us
Coordinates the state's policy, planning, and program activities related to energy, communication and transportation services.
www.cis.state.mi.us
Regulates privately owned telecommunications, electric, natural gas, water, railroad, rail transit and passenger transportation companies.
www.cpuc.ca.gov
A state agency of The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)
www.dora.state.co.us
Regulates the state's electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, and water utilities; the Commission also oversees the cable industry.
www.dps.state.ny.us
Regulates rates, service and safety of public utilities, common carriers and motor carriers. Also regulates oil and gas production.
www.kcc.state.ks.us
Regulates the rates and service practices of utility and transportation companies located in Louisiana.
www.lpsc.org
Authorized to promulgate rules and regulations and to fix utility rates.
www.ncuc.commerce.state.nc.us
Regulates rates and customer service for all nonpublic electric, gas, water and sewer companies, water and sanitation districts, telecommunications companies, transportation of passengers and goods, insurance, the State Fire Marshal and Fire Aca...
www.nmprc.state.nm.us
Regulates, enforces the laws and supervises the exploration and production of oil and gas, the storage and dispensing of petroleum-based fuels, the establishment of rates and services of public utilities, and the operation of intrastate transpor...
www.occ.state.ok.us
The PUC regulates and supervises the intrastate rates and service of the state's public utilities, including electricity, water, natural gas and telephone; also regulate taxis and certain other transportation vehicles.
puc.paonline.com
Charged with regulating public utilities and some aspects of the transportation industry doing business in Alabama.
www.psc.state.al.us
Regulatory responsibilities for the State of Georgia.
www.psc.state.ga.us
Three member administrative body with quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial duties and powers involving regulation of nearly 600 conventional utilities, plus approximately 300 coin-operated phone vendors.
www.psc.state.ky.us
The Commission regulates gas, electric, telephone, water, and sewage disposal companies.
www.psc.state.md.us
Governs the public utilities of this state such as phone rates, electrical rates and water rates of some providers.
www.psc.state.ms.us
Regulates Montana utility and transportation companies.
www.psc.state.mt.us
Regulates the utility industries in North Dakota
www.psc.state.nd.us
Regulates the utilities and transportation industries within the State of Ohio.
www.puc.state.oh.us
Regulates utility industries of the State of Oregon.
www.puc.state.or.us
The Public Utility Commission of Texas is the electric and telephone regulatory agency.
www.puc.state.tx.us
PSC regulates public utilities which provide electric, gas, and telephone service, and larger water and sewer companies.
www.state.ar.us
Authorized by the Delaware General Assembly to regulate investor-owned utilities and companies providing electric, natural gas, water, telecommunications and cable services for public use within the unincorporated areas of the State of Delaware.
www.state.de.us
The Board is responsible for regulation of utility services in Iowa.
www.state.ia.us
Responsible for the structure and control of monopoly Telecommunications and Energy in the Commonwealth.
www.state.ma.us
Regulates electric, natural gas and telephone service.
www.state.mn.us
The TRA is charged with the responsibility of setting the rates and service standards of privately owned telephone, natural gas, electric, and water utilities.
www.state.tn.us
Vested with regulatory authority over many business and economic interests in Virginia.
www.state.va.us
DPS carries out this aspect of its mission by overseeing and directing the execution of all laws relating to Vermont public service corporations, also known as public utilities, and the firms and individuals engaged in such business.
www.state.vt.us
An independent regulatory agency responsible for the regulation of 1,179 Wisconsin public utilities, including those that are municipally owned.
psc.wi.gov
Regulates privately owned utilities that offer service to the public in Washington State.
www.wutc.wa.gov
Sm. to Lg. phone systems, phone & internet svc, VOIP & networking
blmlive.com/cln /keating /index.htm
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Guide to State Government Agencies in Telecommunications Education and Training
How to obtain the education you need to work with state government telecommunications
By Lesley Graybeal
More degrees in telecommunications fields are becoming available. You may be able to get state government agencies in telecommunications education and training through a specialized telecom management degree or dual degree in business and telecommunications. These higher education opportunities are designed to more adequately prepare individuals for the type of work they will do working for PUC telecommunications.
State government agencies in telecommunications education and training is available through the following avenues:
- Get a telecommunications degree to prepare for work in PUC telecom.
- Consider computer science options for telecommunications work.
- Explore business degrees for work with telecommunications regulations.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Prepare to work in state government telecommunications with a telecom degree
The most comprehensive education you can earn to prepare for work with telecom state agencies is to get a telecommunications degree. Many positions in PUC telecommunications require a telecommunications degree or a degree in a related field, and a telecom degree includes comprehensive coursework in telecom industry areas.
I recommend: The National Coalition for Telecommunications Education and Learning (NACTEL) partners with PACE University to offer online bachelor's degree or associate's degrees in telecommunications to prepare students for work in state government telecommunications. For a more advanced degree option, consider the master's degree in telecommunications from Boston University Metropolitan College.
Learn about telecommunications regulation through computer science coursework
Another common credential request from state agencies for telecommunications is a computer science educational background. Many employees of state government telecommunications agencies have a degree in computer science, or a telecommunications specialization from a computer science higher education program.
I recommend: The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has several degree and certificate options in computer science that can be completed online and used to help meet the educational requirements for a career in PUC telecommunications. Western Illinois University also offers a bachelor's degree in telecommunications management, which is housed in their computer science department.
Get business training for work with state government agencies in telecommunications
Another aspect of PUC telecom education and training is business education and experience. If you will be working in the management side of telecommunications, a general business degree or a degree in telecommunications and business may be the best educational option. Many professionals in the telecom industry also need to be knowledgeable in the general aspects of running a business.
I recommend: Florida Community College at Jacksonville is one option for obtaining an accelerated business degree online and to begin working in telecom as quickly as possible. The University of Colorado at Boulder offers a unique dual degree MBA and MS in telecommunications, which may be an especially attractive higher education option to prepare for work in telecommunications regulation.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • Some background in law or legal studies may also be beneficial when starting a career in telecom regulation. Because state government telecommunications are heavily regulated by the law, some legal educational background or experience in the state where you plan to work may be useful in terms of training and education for telecommunications.
Guide to State Government Agencies in Telecommunications
Use state government agencies in telecommunications for information vital to your business
By Patti Richards
The PUC telecommunications agency works to set rates and regulate the quality of service from large telecommunications companies. The PUC also works with independent, municipal and cooperative carriers to keep the telecommunications industry free from price gouging and service problems.
PUC telecommunications have offices in each state. Most public utility commissions have their own websites and contact information linked to the main state web page. States keep the most current information available to businesses in the telecommunications industry to keep this ever growing sector running smoothly.
State government agencies in telecommunications approve state 911 plans, arbitrate disagreements in the telecommunications industry and approve mergers and acquisitions within telecommunications. State agencies for telecommunications keep the airwaves accessible for everyone. Business owners use PUC telecommunications regulation to:
1. Find telephone regulations for independent telephone company service providers.
2. Work with telecom state agencies to develop telecommunications products and services.
3. Develop competitive promotions and bundles for new and existing telecommunications customers.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Use PUC telecommunications agencies for help with current rules and regulations
Each state has its own public utility commission working to regulate all areas of telecommunications. From wireless Internet to cable TV, the PUC telecommunications agency in your state has answers to all your telecommunications questions.
I recommend: Use Construction WebLinks for a 50-state guide to public utility commissions, or ISP Resources to find the Public Utilities Commission in your state.
Develop a relationship with PUC telecommunications commissioners in your area
Commissioners know what in, what's out and what's coming in the area of telecommunications. Having a working relationship with people in the department helps you stay up with the pack when it comes to new products and services for your telecommunications customers.
I recommend: Consumer Affairs.com and The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners offer links to state utility commissioners and their affiliates.
Get up to date information about new products and services from telecom state agencies
The best way to stay on the cutting edge in telecommunications is to know your competition. Companies compete for consumer dollars through promotions, bundles and time frame price guarantees.
I recommend: Visit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website or the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP) website for state telecom agency listings in your state or area.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • When it comes to finding the right answers to your questions, wading through state government agencies in telecommunications information is daunting. Take time to look through FAQ pages on PUC websites to jumpstart your search and find the right contact information quickly.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Public Utility Commission
Each state has a commission that regulates telecommunications companies. In general, the commission approves rates, provides education to consumers and handles consumer complaints.
I recommend: The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners provides links to each state's public utility commission. WebMediaBrands explains the relationship between Internet service providers and state agencies.
Federal Communications Commission
While most regulation of telecommunications companies are provided by states, the Federal Communications Commission also sets regulations regarding communications by television, satellite, cable, radio and wire. It also oversees telecommunications companies that provide interstate service, as well as cellular and wireless communications.
I recommend: See the Federal Communications Commission for more information on its scope, regulations and organization.
Internet laws
Internet service providers (ISP) are governed by many state and federal laws. Additionally, schools and other organizations that provide Internet access to children must follow state laws and comply with the federal Children's Internet Protection Act, which states that filters must be in place to block inappropriate content.
I recommend: Netlitigation provides information about laws that affect ISPs, including the Communications Decency Act and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. The National Conference of State Legislatures summarizes Internet filtering laws by state and provides an overview of the Children's Internet Protection Act.
Cable
Cable companies are regulated by local franchising authorities. In most cases, the franchising authority is the municipality, county or city that grants cable operators the right to provide service.
I recommend: FindLaw, a Thomson Reuters website, provides more information about cable regulations and rates.
Local exchange carrier
Telephone service is provided by either a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) or Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC) or (LEC). ILECs are companies that provided service at the time of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. In exchange for the right to provide long distance service, ILECs were required to lease access to CLECs. Many local exchange carriers also offer Internet and other telecommunications services.
I recommend: Tech-FAQ gives more details about ILECs, CLECs and provides other local phone service information.
The Telecommunications Act of 1996
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 was enacted to end confusing multi-agency regulation and policy. It also put an end to monopolies in the telecommunications industry. It set specific tasks and regulations to state, local and federal agencies, and set new provisions for telephone, broadband, cable, radio and television.
I recommend: The Museum of Broadcast Communications provides a thorough overview of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
