Virginia FCC Regulations for Telecommunications and ISPs

 

As a cybersecurity expert working with telecommunications providers in Virginia, I want to explain the specific regulations that affect Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and telecom companies in our state. These regulations combine federal FCC requirements with Virginia-specific rules.

 

Virginia-Specific Telecommunications Regulations

 

• The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) works alongside the FCC to regulate telecommunications in Virginia, with its own additional requirements for providers operating in the state
• Virginia operates under the Virginia Utility Consumer Advocate Division which provides specific consumer protections for telecom services beyond federal requirements
• The Virginia Broadband Availability Map and Planning Tool requires ISPs to submit specific coverage data for state planning purposes
• Virginia has implemented the Commonwealth Connect initiative with specific reporting requirements for ISPs regarding rural broadband expansion

 

Virginia Cybersecurity Requirements for Telecom/ISPs

 

• The Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (CDPA) imposes specific data security requirements on telecom providers that collect personal data from Virginia residents
• Virginia Code § 56-484.7:1 requires telecom providers to implement "reasonable security" measures specific to protecting customer information
• The Virginia Computer Crimes Act specifically addresses network intrusions and service disruptions affecting ISPs operating in Virginia
• Virginia has Critical Infrastructure Protection standards that telecom providers must follow, including specific incident reporting procedures

 

Virginia Breach Notification Requirements

 

• Under Virginia Code § 18.2-186.6, telecommunications providers must notify the Virginia Attorney General within specific timeframes following a data breach
• Virginia requires separate breach reporting beyond FCC requirements, with specific content that must be included in customer notifications
• The Virginia Data Breach Notification Law has specific thresholds for when telecom providers must report incidents affecting Virginia customers

 

Virginia Universal Service Requirements

 

• Virginia administers the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) which imposes specific service and security requirements on participating ISPs
• The Virginia Relay Service has state-specific security protocols that telecom providers must follow when handling TTY and other accessibility services
• Virginia's E-911 Services Board maintains specific security standards for emergency communications infrastructure beyond federal requirements

 

Virginia Right-of-Way and Infrastructure Security

 

• The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) imposes specific physical security requirements for telecom infrastructure in state rights-of-way
• Virginia has specific pole attachment regulations that include physical security requirements for network equipment
• The Virginia Utility Protection Service (VA811) has state-specific protocols for securing underground telecom infrastructure

 

Virginia Enforcement and Compliance

 

• The Virginia Office of the Attorney General has a dedicated telecommunications enforcement division with different penalties than federal FCC enforcement
• Virginia requires annual compliance reporting for telecom providers that differs from FCC reporting requirements
• The Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) provides specific cybersecurity frameworks that state-contracted telecom providers must follow

 

Virginia-Specific Broadband Initiatives

 

• The Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grant program requires specific security measures for ISPs receiving state funding
• Commonwealth Connect participants must implement specific network monitoring protocols beyond federal requirements
• Virginia's Rural Broadband Authority imposes region-specific security requirements on providers serving rural communities

 

If you're working with telecommunications in Virginia, it's essential to understand these state-specific requirements in addition to federal FCC regulations. Compliance with both is necessary to operate legally within the Commonwealth.