Overview
The Department of Public Service (Department) promotes the interest of the general public in the provision of the state's telephone services and ensures that the state's telecommunications infrastructure can support a diversified set of services that address the current and potential needs of the state's residents and businesses.
Telecommunications Plan
To better understand Vermont's telecommunications needs and develop plans for meeting those needs, the Department of Public Service, in coordination with the Agency of Digital Services, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, and the Agency of Transportation, produces a ten-year plan that serves as the basis for state telecommunications policy. The plan is updated every three years in accordance with 30 V.S.A. § 202d. The most current plan is the 2024 Telecommunications Plan, information for which can be found on the 2024 Telecommunications Plan webpage.
Previous plans can be found on the Department State Plan page.
Vermont Universal Service Fund
Consumers of retail telecommunications services in Vermont are charged a fee by their service provider to support the Vermont Universal Service Fund (VUSF). Service providers deposit the collected fees into the VUSF, which supports programs for Vermonters through the Vermont Telecommunications Relay Service (VTRS), the Vermont Equipment Distribution Program (VTEDP), the Enhanced 911 network, the Lifeline Program, and the Connectivity Fund. More information on the VUSF can be found at the Vermont Universal Service Fund webpage.
Please note there is proposed legislation to modernize the VUSF. More information can be found on the Legislature Website.
Standards and Procedures for the Siting and Construction of Telecommunications Facilities under § 248a
The Public Utility Commission (Commission) revised the standards and procedures for issuing a Certificate of Public Good for § 248a petitions: