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For Immediate Release A Conversation with Senator Brubaker New law prevents regulation of VoIP Legislation recently signed into law will help to establish a fair and competitive market for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. The Federal Communications Commission has already barred states from imposing telecommunications regulations on VoIP providers for VoIP-to-VoIP calls, although there are concerns that ruling may be overturned. Pennsylvania's Act 52, however, will prevent any state government agency from regulating VoIP. VoIP allows telephone calls to be made via a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular phone line, with cable providers accounting for about 71 percent of the market. Use of VoIP services grew by more than 500 percent in the last two years, with roughly 10 million subscribers in 2007. Act 52 will prohibit only the regulation of VoIP services, not landline services, but will enable compensation of E-911 fees, Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) fees, and Universal Service Fund fees as well as payment of any switched network access rates or other intercarrier compensation rates. The final version of the legislation was unanimously approved by both the state House and Senate, and such a measure will allow companies doing business in Pennsylvania to continue to provide the services people have come to expect. PPL offers grants to businesses for efficient lighting PPL Electric Utilities and the Sustainable Energy Fund (SEF) have announced a new energy-efficient rebate program for small businesses. With the cost of energy continuing to rise, the cost of doing business is rising as well, and many businesses are looking for ways to save energy and thereby lower their electricity bills. In fact, lighting accounts for about 25 to 30 percent of energy use in commercial buildings and is a primary source of waste heat, and installing new technologies such as fluorescent systems and LED exit signs can save up to 50 percent in lighting costs alone. To help small businesses replace old or inefficient lighting with new energy-efficient technology, the new Small Business Lighting Retrofit Program will offer small businesses rebates equal to 20 percent of the cost of replacement projects, up to $2,000. PPL will provide $250,000 in total funding. Interested businesses of 25,000 square feet or less with no more than 100 employees in PPL's service territory can obtain more information and an application at SEF's web site, www.thesef.org, or by calling 610-264-4440, ext. 15. Deadline for application is August 31, 2008. Signs promote Civil War Trail New highway signs installed in this region at the end of June point motorists to an opportunity to experience firsthand the impact and experience of the Civil War in Pennsylvania. The Civil War Trails memorialize some of the most pivotal battles of the War, as well as the actors who played significant roles and the places where it happened. Along the Trails, which stretch into the Lancaster, York, Harrisburg and Gettysburg regions, individuals can relive troop movements while experiencing the commerce of daily life. Closer to Lancaster, the Susquehanna River Towns Trail highlights the battles that took place along the River between Columbia and Wrightsville. Stops along this trail include the First National Bank Museum and National Watch & Clock Museum, both in Columbia. Soon, individuals will also be able to experience the Civil War Trails in high resolution panoramic photos on Google Earth. For more information and to learn more about these exciting tours, see www.visitpa.com/visitpa/civilwartrails.pa. | ||
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