Telecommunications | FAQs

  1. What type of telecom providers are regulated by the KCC?

    There are two types of landline telecommunication providers. One type is regulated by the KCC the other is not.
    1. Incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) certified by the Commission on or before January 1, 1996 are regulated by the KCC. That means the Commission has jurisdiction over rates, billing and quality of service. The one exception to this is Southwestern Bell doing business as AT&T.
    2. Competitive telecommunication providers, such as your cable television provider, are not regulated by the KCC.

In addition, the KCC does not regulate broadband Internet, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or wireless telecommunications services.

  1. What is the Kansas Universal Service Fund (KUSF)?

    The Kansas Universal Service Fund (KUSF) was created by the 1996 Kansas Legislature to assure quality services are available to all Kansans. All telecommunications companies must contribute (to the KUSF) a percentage of all intrastate (within Kansas) retail revenues. The company is authorized to pass on its assessment to the consumer, but it is not required to do so. KUSF support is distributed to the local telephone companies and designated eligible telecommunication carriers to offset the costs of providing service. Find out more about KUSF.

  2. What are my rights as a consumer under the KCC’s Kansas Telephone Billing Practices?

    The KCC has established billing and terms of service standards that providers under the Commission’s jurisdiction are required to follow. Incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) certified by the Commission on or before January 1, 1996 are regulated by the KCC, except for Southwestern Bell. Competitive telecommunication providers, such as your cable television provider, are not regulated by the KCC.
    Telecommunications Billing Standards - Local Exchange Carriers
    Quality of Service Standards - Local Exchange Carrier

    If you are unable to resolve an issue by contacting your provider, the Commission’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection is available to assist you. Click here to contact our office.

  3. Can the KCC help me understand my phone bill?

    If contacting your regulated telephone company does not provide the answers you need, the Commission’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection is available to assist you. Click here to contact our office.

 

I want to...

    1. File a complaint.

      If you have been unable to resolve an issue by contacting your utility, the Commission’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection is available to assist you. Click here to contact our office.

    2. Determine if I may be eligible for Lifeline.

      Learn more about the Lifeline program.

    3. Find a Local Service Provider.

    4. Find an internet provider in my area.