(a) The Legislature finds that universal telephone service contributes to the state's economic, social and political integration and development. The preservation of universal telephone service is therefore of utmost importance to the state and its citizens. (b) Recent changes in the telecommunications industry, however, both in its structure and in the national policy which governs […]
For purposes of this article, the following terms apply: (a) "Eligible telecommunications carrier" means a common carrier that offers telephone services that are supported by federal universal service support mechanism, advertises the availability of such services and the charges for the services using media of general distribution, and that otherwise is qualified as an eligible […]
(a) The monthly rate for tel-assistance service shall be set initially by the commission at the lower of: (1) The lowest priced service available to the consumer at the time of his or her application; or (2) $7.50. All usage exceeding $2 in value shall be charged for at the otherwise applicable tariff rate. No […]
(a) All eligible telecommunications carriers shall make tel-assistance services available to qualified low-income consumers pursuant to tariffs or agreements filed with and approved by the Public Service Commission. (b) Insofar as permitted under federal law, eligible telecommunications carriers may file with the Public Service Commission tariffs or agreements that, without limitation, offer tel-assistance service which […]
(a) In order to provide the special reduced rate mandated by section one of this article and still maintain the integrity of the earnings of the eligible telecommunications carriers offering tel-assistance service, the commission shall determine, upon application by any affected eligible telecommunications carrier, that eligible telecommunications carrier's revenue deficiency for the eligible telecommunications carrier's […]
