Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 24, June 15, 2024
Section 69.2501 - Standards applicable for designation and annual certification as an eligible telecommunications carrier, for purposes of obtaining Federal universal service support(a) Petitions for designation in this Commonwealth as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC), for purposes of obtaining Federal universal service support, should be evaluated under: (1) Section 214(e) of the Telecommunications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. § 214(e)), regarding extension of lines or discontinuance of service; certificate of public convenience and necessity.(2) The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) discussion of ETC designations in the Universal Service Order, Report and Order at CC Docket No. 96-45 (May 8, 1997).(3) The standards in the FCC's Report and Order at CC Docket No. 96-45 (March 17, 2005).(4) The FCC's rules governing ETC designations in 47 CFR 54.101, 54.201-54.203 and 54.205-54.209.(b) Petitions for designation as an ETC seeking low income support from Lifeline and Link-up America programs should satisfy the minimum standards established in 66 Pa.C.S. § 3019(f) (relating to lifeline service) and comply with the Commission's Lifeline and Link-Up Order, In Re: Lifeline and Link-Up Programs, Docket No. M-00051871, Final Order May 23, 2005, except that verifications should be submitted annually to Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) on or before August 31 of each year. Petitions should affirm that the applying carrier will submit annual Lifeline Tracking Reports by June 30 of each year. The form is available on the Commission's web site at www.puc.state.pa.us, Online Forms, Telecommunications.(c) Petitions for ETC designation should specifically address the enumerated criteria in subsections (a) and (b), set forth specific statements regarding which criteria are applicable and inapplicable, and explain why all applicable criteria are satisfied.The provisions of this § 69.2501 adopted October 1, 2010, effective 10/2/2010, 40 Pa.B. 5586.