Authority To Implement The Telecommunications Act — Suspension Of Obligations Of Rural Carriers — Promulgation Of Rules Or Procedures

TITLE 62 RAILROADS AND OTHER PUBLIC UTILITIES CHAPTER 6 TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1988 62-615. Authority to implement the telecommunications act — Suspension of obligations of rural carriers — Promulgation of rules or procedures. (1) The commission shall have full power and authority to implement the federal telecommunications act of 1996, including, but not limited to, the power to establish unbundled network element charges in accordance with the act. (2)  Upon petition of a rural telephone company with fewer than two percent (2%) of the nation’s subscriber lines installed in the aggregate nationwide, the commission shall suspend the petitioner’s obligations pursuant to section 251(c) of the telecommunications act of 1996. The period of suspension shall be determined by the commission, consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity, provided that such suspension shall be for a period of not less than three (3) years nor more than five (5) years. All other suspensions, modifications or exemptions pursuant to the telecommunications act of 1996 shall be committed to the commission’s discretion. (3)  The commission may promulgate rules and/or procedures necessary to carry out the duties authorized or required by the federal telecommunications act of 1996.