OLR Report 2013-R-0240 discusses the state's regulatory jurisdiction over installation and related charges imposed by telecommunications companies (including cable companies and Internet service providers). Specifically, it looks at whether the state can bar a company from charging for an equipment installation before the service it supports goes into effect. (The Office of Legislative Research is not authorized to provide legal opinions, and the report should not be considered one.)
Federal law significantly restricts the state's ability to regulate such companies. As discussed in OLR Report 2010-R-0290, federal law largely preempts economic regulation of these companies, most notably regarding wireless service and telecommunications services using voice over internet protocol technologies, which companies such as Vonage and many cable companies use. Federal law (47 USC § 541 et seq.) also sharply restricts the ability of the state and other franchising authorities to regulate cable rates.
For more information, read the full report.
