Tennessee Regulators: New Guidance for Annual Cybersecurity Compliance Plan Report

• The Tennessee commission issued notices on May 29, 2024, and June 23, 2023, detailing procedures for filing the annual cybersecurity compliance plan report.
• An administrative procedure for informal alternative dispute resolution was announced on September 14, 2026, alongside an amended notice on November 20, 2024, regarding delegation of authority in contested cases.
• New accessibility requirements for filing public documents were implemented on January 14, 2026, following a website upgrade notice on June 1, 2026.
• A request for information concerning competition in the Tennessee telecommunications market was published on November 14, 2024.
• Docket 20-00047 addresses the Chairman’s motion to lift a moratorium on disconnections, subject to specific conditions.

The most recent guidance regarding the filing of the required annual cybersecurity compliance plan report was published on May 29, 2024, outlining the necessary steps for submission.

The Tennessee regulatory landscape has seen several significant updates concerning compliance and market oversight. A key development involves the annual cybersecurity compliance plan report, for which procedural notices were issued on two separate occasions. The most recent guidance regarding the filing of the required annual cybersecurity compliance plan report was published on May 29, 2024, outlining the necessary steps for submission. This followed an earlier notice on June 23, 2023, which also detailed the procedures for submitting the same annual report. These repeated notices underscore the ongoing emphasis on cybersecurity preparedness within the state's regulated entities.

Beyond cybersecurity, the commission has also sought input on market dynamics. On November 14, 2024, a formal request for information was issued, specifically targeting competition within the telecommunications service market across Tennessee. This initiative aims to gather comprehensive data and perspectives to inform future regulatory decisions regarding the competitive environment for telecommunications providers operating in the state.

The commission has also implemented various changes to its administrative procedures and internal delegations of authority, streamlining its operational framework. A notice concerning administrative procedures for informal alternative dispute resolution (ADR) was released on September 14, 2026, indicating a formalization of processes for resolving disputes outside of traditional litigation. Furthermore, an amended notice regarding the delegation of authority in contested case proceedings was published on November 20, 2024, updating previous guidelines on how such authority is distributed.

Several other delegations of authority have been established to enhance efficiency. These include empowering commission staff to process unopposed interconnection agreements and their amendments, as well as handling annual state Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) certifications. Additionally, specific categories for the designation of hearing officers (HOs) have been outlined. Hearing officers are now designated for petitions seeking certificates of public convenience and necessity from competing telecommunications service providers, for reviews of number pooling administrator denials of numbering resource requests, and for matters arising from agency audits. Their designation also extends to actions initiated under TRA Rule 1220-04-05-.47(9) and rate matters falling under Tenn. Code Ann. 65-5-103. Authority has also been delegated for notices concerning contiguous territory under Rule 1220-04-01-.13, alongside a general delegation for contested case proceedings. These measures collectively aim to clarify roles and expedite various regulatory processes.

Efforts to improve public access to information and enhance digital infrastructure have also been noted. A public notice specifically addressing telephone solicitors was issued on September 9, 2026, providing guidance or regulations pertinent to their activities. In a move to modernize its digital presence, the commission announced a website upgrade on June 1, 2026, which likely aims to improve user experience and information dissemination.

Further enhancing accessibility, new requirements for filing public documents were introduced on January 14, 2026, ensuring that critical information is more readily available to all stakeholders. Additionally, general procedures for docket filing have been established, providing a clear framework for how documents are to be submitted and managed within the commission's formal record-keeping system. These initiatives reflect a commitment to transparency and ease of interaction with the regulatory body.

In a specific docketed matter, Docket 20-00047 addresses a significant decision regarding utility services. This docket involves the Chairman’s motion to lift a moratorium on disconnections, with the caveat that this action is subject to certain specified conditions. This indicates a careful consideration of consumer protection alongside operational necessities for service providers. For inquiries related to this or other docketed proceedings, the designated Dockets and Records Manager is Ectory Lawless, who can be reached at (615) 651-0754 or via email at contact.tpuc@tn.gov or tpuc.docketroom@tn.gov.

Source: Original reporting via public regulatory filings.