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AB 174

Revises provisions relating to telecommunication providers. (BDR 58-128)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Elaine Marzola

AB 174 updates the definition of alternative voice service to include retail satellite voice, enabling satellite providers to count toward PLR relief thresholds.

Approved by the Governor. Chapter 75.
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Bill Summary · AB 174

Summary — AB 174 (Marzola) — Revises provisions relating to telecommunication providers

Chapter 75 — Approved by the Governor May 28, 2025

Main purpose / intent

AB 174 amends Nevada law to expand the definition of “alternative voice service” so that retail voice service provided via satellite can be counted as an alternative voice service. The change affects the conditions under which a competitive supplier that is a provider of last resort (PLR) may apply to the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) to be relieved, in whole or in part, of its PLR obligations in a given area.

Key provisions

  • Amends NRS 704.68886 by removing the prior exclusion of retail satellite voice service from the definition of “alternative voice service.”
  • Maintains existing thresholds under which a competitive supplier may seek relief:
    • (a) At least one non‑affiliate wireline provider capable of serving the entire area and one other provider using any other technology; or
    • (b) On or after June 1, 2015, two or more providers using wireless or satellite technology capable of serving the entire area; or
    • (c) On or after June 1, 2015, three or more providers using any technology capable of serving the entire area.
  • Application requirements and procedures remain in place: filing detailed maps, customer and public safety notice, meetings with PUCN, Consumer’s Advocate, public safety answering points and law enforcement, and consumer sessions in affected counties.
  • PUCN must approve or deny an application within 180 days; may hold hearings to determine sufficiency of alternative voice service.
  • Section 8 (as retained) bars a competitive supplier relieved of PLR obligations from applying for or receiving funds from the Nevada Universal Service Fund (NUSF, “fund to maintain the availability of telephone service”) for the area for which relief was granted, except for lifeline service funding.
  • Relief does not affect incumbent carrier obligations under federal law. PUCN retains authority to declare emergencies where alternative service is unavailable.

Who is affected

  • Competitive suppliers and incumbent providers of last resort (PLRs) — ability to seek relief from universal service obligations may increase where satellite providers operate.
  • Satellite and wireless voice service providers — can now be counted toward the provider thresholds used to justify PLR relief.
  • Small rural telephone companies (small PLRs) and rural consumers — may face increased risk that PLR obligations and related state support (NUSF) are reduced in areas where satellite service is present.
  • Public safety answering points and local law enforcement — participate in required meetings and consumer sessions.
  • Public Utilities Commission of Nevada — will adjudicate relief petitions under the amended standard.

Procedural / timeline highlights

  • Introduced: January 8, 2025 (sponsor: Assemblymember Elaine Marzola).
  • Assembly passage: March 20, 2025 (Ayes 53, Noes 17).
  • Senate passage: April 17, 2025 (Yeas 42, Nays 0).
  • Final Assembly concurrence: May 21, 2025 (Yeas 21, Nays 0).
  • Enrolled and delivered to Governor: May 27, 2025.
  • Approved by Governor / Chapter 75: May 28, 2025 — bill now law.

Concerns and stakeholder positions

  • Several small rural providers (Beehive Telephone, E4 Connect, Lincoln County Telephone, Moapa Valley Telephone, Rural Telephone Company) opposed the bill “unless amended,” arguing inclusion of satellite service could be used to justify reducing NUSF support and threaten rural service viability, E911 reliability, latency and affordability.
  • Those stakeholders proposed a clarifying amendment to preserve NUSF availability; that amendment was not adopted.

Bottom line

AB 174 modernizes the statutory definition of alternative voice service to include retail satellite voice, making it possible for satellite providers to be counted when determining whether a PLR may be relieved of service obligations. While the bill aims to reflect changing technologies, it has raised concerns from rural carriers about potential reductions in state universal service support and impacts on rural service reliability and deployment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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