New York Assembly Bill A09695

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/26
• Refer: 1/21/26

Caption

Enacts the "cellular mapping act"; requires the public service commission to review cellular services within the state; requires the expansion of cellular services.

Impact

If enacted, the act would require the PSC to study the current state of cellular services and produce a comprehensive report detailing its findings. This report would inform stakeholders, including governmental bodies and cellular service providers, about areas needing service improvement or technological investment. The expectation is that identifying gaps in service will allow for targeted efforts to expand coverage, particularly in areas that have historically been underserved, which can lead to broader economic benefits for these communities.

Summary

A09695, known as the 'Cellular Mapping Act', aims to enhance cellular services across New York State by mandating the Public Service Commission (PSC) to evaluate the availability, affordability, and reliability of cellular services. The bill defines various coverage levels, categorizing areas as served, underserved, and unserved based on the number of service providers and their call completion rates. This structured approach seeks to provide a clearer understanding of cellular service quality and access across different regions in the state.

Contention

Despite the potential advantages, the bill may face scrutiny regarding its implementation and effectiveness. Critics could argue that having state-level oversight might not be sufficient to address specific local needs, particularly in rural areas where unique challenges prevail. Moreover, some stakeholders could be concerned about the provisioning of resources required for the PSC to conduct such comprehensive studies and whether these studies would lead to meaningful action by telecommunications companies in addressing service gaps.