65- 407 C.M.R. ch. 206, § 4

Current through 2024-25, June 19, 2024

Section 407-206-4 - COMMISSION APPROVAL OF PETITIONS

A The Commission will approve an application for designation as an ETC if the petition meets the requirements of this Chapter, the designation will advance some or all of the purposes of universal service found in 47 U.S.C. §254, and the designation is in the public interest.

B. In determining whether the designation is in the public interest, the Commission may:

1. consider the benefits of increased consumer choice, and the unique advantages and disadvantages of the Applicant's service offering, and

2. in instances where an Applicant seeks designation below the study area level of a rural telephone company, the Commission may conduct an analysis to determine whether the Applicant is seeking to use federal universal service fund support to expand service in a manner that favors its low-cost areas. The Commission will conduct this analysis by comparing the population density of each wire center in which the Applicant seeks designation against that of the wire centers in the study area in which the Applicant does not seek designation.

C. The Commission may also consider other factors that it considers necessary or useful.

65- 407 C.M.R. ch. 206, § 4