Iowa Code § 476.95
Internet protocol-enabled service and voice over internet protocol service — regulation
Redline — January 1, 2012 → current.View current text →
Current — January 1, 2026
As of January 1, 2012
The general assembly finds all of the following:
1. Communications services should be available throughout the state at just, reasonable, and affordable rates from a variety of providers.
2. In rendering decisions with respect to regulation of telecommunications companies, the board shall consider the effects of its decisions on competition in telecommunications markets and, to the extent reasonable and lawful, shall act to further the development of competition in those markets.
3. In order to encourage competition for all telecommunications services, the board should address issues relating to the movement of prices toward cost and the removal of subsidies in the existing price structure of the incumbent local exchange carrier.
4. Regulatory flexibility is appropriate when competition provides customers with competitive choices in the variety, quality, and pricing of communications services, and when consistent with consumer protection and other relevant public interests.
5. The board should respond with speed and flexibility to changes in the communications industry.
6. Economic development can be fostered by the existence of advanced communications networks.
1. For purposes of this section:
a. “Internet protocol-enabled service” means any service, capability, functionality, or application that uses internet protocol or any successor protocol and enables an end user to send or receive voice, data, or video communications in internet protocol format or a successor format.
b. “Political subdivision” means the same as defined in section 145A.2.
c. “Voice over internet protocol service” means an internet protocol-enabled service that facilitates real-time, two-way voice communication that originates from, or terminates at, a user’s location and permits the user to receive a call that originates from the public switched telephone network and to terminate a call on the public switched telephone network.
2. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a department, agency, board, or political subdivision of the state shall not regulate, by rule, order, or other means directly or indirectly, the entry, rates, terms, or conditions for internet protocol-enabled service or voice over internet protocol service.
3. This section shall not be construed to affect, modify, limit, or expand any of the following:
a. The authority of the attorney general to take any action pursuant to chapter 537 or section 714.16.
b. The application or enforcement of any law that is intended to have general application to the conduct of business in this state.
c. Any entity’s obligation under section 251 or 252 of the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996.
d. Any authority of the commission over wholesale telecommunications services, rates, agreements, interconnection, providers, or tariffs.
e. Any authority of the commission to address or affect the resolution of a dispute regarding intercarrier compensation.
f. Any authority of the commission, in accordance with state and federal law, to assess voice over internet protocol service for any of the following:
(1) Surcharges for 911 emergency services under section 34A.7.
(2) Assessments for dual party relay service under section 477C.7.
(3) Direct costs under section 476.10 and a share of remainder assessments that reflect the service’s lesser degree of regulation.
g. Any authority of the commission to regulate internet protocol-enabled service or voice over internet protocol service pursuant to section 476.91.
95 Acts, ch 199, §6
95 Acts, ch 199, §6; 2018 Acts, ch 1160, §17; 2024 Acts, ch 1170, §369
Referred to in
Official source: Iowa Legislature. Reproduced from public-domain Iowa statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.