California regulators say 'jk' to proposed texting tax

[WestVirginiaRebel]

The Blaze

State regulators in California have abandoned a plan to tax text messaging as a way to boost revenue, citing a recent ruling by the Federal Communications Commission that limited states' authority over regulating information services.

 

What are the details?

A recent report from the California Public Utilities Commission proposed requiring wireless carriers to charge a flat fee to customers who utilize text messaging, as a way to raise funds for programs aimed at providing phone services to needy citizens. But the CPUC scrapped the idea on Friday, blaming a recent rule change implemented by the FCC.

On Wednesday, the FCC classified text messaging as an "information service," rather than a "telecommunications service," effectively rolling regulation of the practice under the purview of the Federal Telecommunications Act — which limits states' authority in overseeing communications.

CPUC announced Friday that it would nix its planned Jan. 10, 2019, vote on the proposal to tax text messages.

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California PUC@californiapuc

 

 

Here is an update to the #texting surcharge proposal before @californiapuc.

 

59

9:55 PM - Dec 14, 2018

 

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Assigned Commissioner Carla J. Peterman stepped down from her post the next day.

Carla Peterman@PetermanCPUC

 

 

It has been an honor to serve California. Thank you all!

California PUC@californiapuc

 

Today was @PetermanCPUC’s last Voting Meeting as a Commissioner. Best wishes in your new adventures! Thank you for all you did for the @californiapuc, the state of California, and its consumers. You will be missed, but we will follow you in your new adventures at @carlapeterman.

 

184

4:57 PM - Dec 13, 2018

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According to CNN, proponents of the FCC's new rule argue it will allow carriers the authority to crack down on unwanted spam messages, while critics warn it could lead to carriers censoring the messages of customers.

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No text tax today...