§ 23-17-414 - Extended area service. - Arkansas Statutes

23-17-414. Extended area service.

(a) The Arkansas Public Service Commission shall promulgate rules that enable customers in a local exchange service area to petition the commission directly or by a resolution of the customers' quorum court or other local governing body to request that an incumbent local exchange carrier provide extended area service.

(b) (1) The rules relating to the provision of extended area service shall include:

(A) The procedure by which customers may petition the commission for an election on the provision of extended area service;

(B) A description of the information required for the commission to verify that the rate to be charged for providing extended area service will be just and reasonable and to verify that the rate includes an incumbent local exchange carrier's revenue that is replaced by extended area service revenue;

(C) Notice requirements to customers regarding the rate, terms, and conditions under which extended area service would be provided as a result of a scheduled election under subsection (a) of this section; and

(D) The procedure for conducting an election under subsection (a) of this section and for determining whether extended area service will be provided as a result of the election.

(2) After the initial election and adoption of extended area service, no subsequent change in the rate charged for the provision of extended area service shall be effective unless adopted under the commission's rules promulgated to implement this section.

(c) If the affected customers vote in favor of instituting or renewing extended area service under this section, the carrier shall implement extended area service at a rate that is consistent with subdivision (b)(1)(B) of this section.