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Gov. Rick Snyder signed Senate Bill 636, which makes it easier for a company to stop traditional landline or "plain old telephone service" in an area.

(MLive File Photo)

LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder on Tuesday signed Senate Bill 636, which makes it easier for a company to stop traditional landline or "plain old telephone service" in an area.

The bill stirred up controversy as senior citizens, led by AARP Michigan, fought the bill over concerns that residents would be left without reliable access to phone, medical alert and alarm services.

"AARP remains concerned that some people could be left without affordable, reliable phone service when this bill takes effect," spokesman Mark Hornbeck said in an email after the legislation passed the House. "Also, it does not provide the consumer protections that are in current telecommunications law."

Now that it's signed into law, here are six things to know:

Existing system: The current process for discontinuing landline service requires a phone company to get approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission and show that at least one or two other providers offer comparable service in the area.

New law: SB 636 requires the company to file a petition with the Federal Communications Commission and notify those who could be impacted. Once that happens, a consumer could ask the MPSC to investigate the availability of alternative reliable voice and 911 services. The MPSC wouldn't have the authority to initiate its own investigation without a consumer request, a point of contention among opponents.

If there are no providers already available or willing to enter the market, the MPSC could require the existing phone company to maintain service. It wouldn't necessarily have to be traditional landline service, but the commission would have to determine that it's comparable and offers reliable access to 911 services.

Timeline: The new process doesn't take effect until 2017.

Public safety: The Michigan Sheriff's Association, which previously warned the bill would threaten public safety, now appears to support the measure after changes were made. The group applauded the addition of the provision that allows the MPSC to get involved in response to concerned customers, as well as safeguards to prevent companies from degrading 911 service or closing their lines to competitors.

"This is a huge victory for first responders!" according to a legislative update email sent by the MSA.

AT&T: Telecommunications giant AT&T was the driving force behind the new law. The Dallas-based company says the change is needed to allow it to invest in more modern means of communication as droves of customers abandon their landline plans for mobile phones and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoiP) service.

AT&T recently got federal government approval to conduct multi-year trials in West Delray Beach, Fl. and Carbon Hill, Al., where it will transition to IP-based networks and examine customer experiences. (See video below.)

"As you can see, the FCC will look at how the process of transitioning from the old system to the new IP system plays out," AT&T spokesman Matt Resch said in an email. "They will then likely set rules and procedures for how this will go for the country as a whole.



VOiP: Even if you have a phone that's connected to a wire in your home, it may not use traditional "plain old telephone service." Many home phones use VoIP service that in some cases still connects to the copper phone lines but uses the Internet to place and receive calls. There are medical alert devices and home alarm systems that are compatible with VoIP, but there are still concerns about the technology. For example, an Internet-based phone service could possibly go down during a power outage, whereas a landline would still function.

Email Melissa Anders at manders@mlive.com. Follow her on Google+ and Twitter: @MelissaDAnders. Download the MLive app for iPhone and Android.