§ 7515 - High-cost basic telecommunications service - Vermont Statutes

§ 7515. High-cost basic telecommunications service

(a) The general assembly intends that the universal service charge be used in the future as a means of keeping basic telecommunications service affordable in all parts of this state, thereby maintaining universal service. In the future, and after this section has been amended by further act of legislation, payments may be made to reduce the cost of basic telecommunications service in areas where that cost would otherwise jeopardize universal service or uniform economic development.

(b) The public service board shall conduct a study of the costs and other factors affecting the delivery of local exchange service. The study shall be conducted either as an independent inquiry or as part of a proceeding or docket affecting other matters. The study shall:

(1) After considering information on how various factors affect the costs of providing telecommunications service in Vermont and elsewhere, estimate, on a forward-looking basis, the differential costs of providing local exchange service to various customer groups throughout Vermont.

(2) Estimate the relationship between basic telecommunications service charges and universal service, and the threshold level beyond which universal residential service is likely to be harmed.

(3) Estimate the relationship between basic telecommunications service charges and opportunities for uniform economic development throughout the state, and the threshold prices beyond which such opportunities may be adversely affected.

(4) Estimate the potential effects of local exchange competition on uniform and affordable basic telecommunications service charges in all parts of the state.

(5) Examine policy options by which the cost to customers may be managed so as not to jeopardize universal service and the uniform economic development opportunities, including at least the following:

(A) establishing a maximum price for basic telecommunications service, beyond which customers would have access, without regard to income, to credits or vouchers negotiable for local exchange service from a local exchange provider or competitive access provider;

(B) broadening eligibility for the lifeline program; and

(C) establishing a mechanism to adjust the level of support for higher cost customers over time to reflect legal rights, recover historic costs, and reflect the advantages of improved technology and increased efficiency.

(6) Examine the actions, if any, of the Federal Communications Commission in revising its universal service fund, and the need, if any, for additional action in Vermont.

(7) Propose mechanisms to support universal service and rural economic development while securing the benefits of telecommunications competition for Vermont households and businesses.

The results of the study, together with any plan for amending and distributing funds under this section, shall be submitted to the general assembly on or before January 15, 1996. (Added 1993, No. 197 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)