Senators Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tester (D-MT) have introduced the “Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2015” (S. 827). S. 827 would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish basic quality standards for providers that transmit voice calls to help ensure businesses, families, and emergency responders can count on phone calls being completed. These standards must: (1) ensure the integrity of the transmission of covered voice communications to all customers throughout the U.S.; and (2) prevent unjust or unreasonable discrimination among areas of the U.S. in the delivery of covered voice communications. The legislation also directs the FCC to require these providers to register with the agency. S. 827 has been referred to the Senate Commerce Committee for consideration.
