Section 480-120-263 - Pay phone service providers (PSPs)(1) A local exchange company (LEC) within the state of Washington must allow pay phone service providers (PSPs) to connect pay phones to its network, and a LEC must file a tariff with the commission to include the rates and conditions applicable to providing service to pay phones via its network. For services provided to pay phones pursuant to competitive classification, information about such services must be made available in accordance with WAC 480-120-266 (Information about telecommunications services provided pursuant to competitive classification).(2)Registration and application of rules.(a) PSPs operating a pay phone within the state of Washington must register by:(i) Submitting a master business application to the master license service, department of licensing; and(ii) Obtaining a unified business identifier (UBI) number. A PSP that already has a UBI number need not reapply.(b) Except where pay phone services or PSPs are specifically referenced, the rules of general applicability to public service companies or telecommunications companies do not apply to pay phone services. This does not exempt PSPs from rules applicable to complaints and disputes (WAC 480-120-165) , or remedies or sanctions for violations of rules applicable to PSP operations.(3)Access. At no charge to the calling party, pay phones must provide access to: (b) Emergency services by dialing 911 without the use of a coin or entering charge codes;(d) Telecommunications relay service calls for the hearing-impaired;(e) All available toll-free services; and(f) All available interexchange companies, including the LEC.(4)Disclosure. PSPs must post clearly and legibly, in an unobstructed location on or near the front of the pay phone: (a) The rate for local calls, including any restrictions on the length of calls in thirty point or larger type print or a different and contrasting color;(b) Notice that directory assistance charges may apply, and to ask the operator for rates;(c) Notice that the pay phone does not make change, if applicable;(d) The emergency number (E911);(e) The name, address, phone number, and unified business identifier (UBI) number of the owner or operator;(f) A toll-free number to obtain assistance if the pay phone malfunctions, and procedures for obtaining a refund;(g) The name, address, and toll-free number of all presubscribed operator service providers (OSPs), as registered with the commission. This information must be updated within thirty days of a change in the OSP. Refer to WAC 480-120-262 for OSP definition and rules;(h) Notice to callers that they can access other long distance companies;(i) The phone number of the pay phone, including area code. When the pay phone is in an area that has had an area code change, the area code change must be reflected on the pay phone within thirty days of the area code conversion; and(j) In contrasting colors, the commission compliance number for customer complaints, to include the following information: "If you have a complaint about service from this pay phone and are unable to resolve it by calling the repair or refund number or operator, please call the commission at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882)."
(5)Operation and functionality. A PSP must order a separate public access line (PAL) for each pay phone installed. The commission may waive this requirement if a company demonstrates that technology accomplishes the same result as a one-to-one ratio by means other than through a PAL, that the service provided to customers is fully equivalent, and that all emergency calling requirements are met. This PAL must pass the appropriate screening codes to the connecting company to indicate that the call is originating from a pay phone. In addition: (a) The pay phone, if coin operated, must return coins to the caller in the case of an incomplete call and must be capable of receiving nickels, dimes, and quarters.(b) Pay phone keypads must include both numbers and letters.(c) Where enhanced 911 is operational, the address displayed to the public safety answering point (PSAP) must be that of the phone instrument if different from the public access line demarcation point and the phone number must be that of the pay phone. To comply with this subsection, PSPs must provide an emergency response location (ERL) to the LEC supplying the PAL within two working days of establishing the location, or changed location, of the phone instrument. The ERL must provide sufficient information to aid emergency personnel in the rapid location of the phone instrument, e.g., building floor number, compass quadrant (e.g., northeast corner), and room number.(d) Extension telephones may be connected to a PAL only for the purpose of monitoring emergency use. The pay phone must be clearly labeled to indicate that "911 calls are monitored locally." An extension phone must be activated only when 911 is dialed from the pay phone, and must be equipped with a "push to talk" switch or other mechanism to prevent inadvertent interruption of the caller's conversation with the PSAP.(e) Cordless and tabletop pay phones may be connected to the telephone network only when the bill is presented to the user before leaving the premise where the bill was incurred, unless the customer requests that the call be alternatively billed.(f) Pay phones may not restrict the number of digits or letters that can be dialed.(g) Pay phones may provide credit-only service, or coin and credit service.(h) Pay phones must provide two-way service, and no charge may be imposed by the PSP for incoming calls. Exceptions to two-way service are allowed under the following circumstances: (i) Service provided to hospitals and libraries where a telephone ring might cause undue disturbance;(ii) Service provided within a building on the premises of a private business establishment, at the discretion of the business owner. For purposes of this section, premises where people have access to public transportation such as airports, bus and train stations are not considered private business establishments; and(iii) Service at locations where local governing jurisdictions or law enforcement find that incoming calls may be related to criminal or illicit activities and have provided proper notice under subsection (6) of this section. Each pay phone restricted to one-way service must be clearly marked on or near the front of the pay phone with information detailed in subsection (6) of this section.(6)Restrictions. A PSP may only limit the operational capabilities of a pay phone when a local governing jurisdiction or other governmental agency submits a notice to the commission using prescribed forms a minimum of ten days prior to the restriction. Restrictions may include, but are not limited to, blocking incoming calls, limiting touch-tone capabilities, and coin restriction during certain hours. The notice must be signed by an agent of the local governing jurisdiction in which the pay phone is located who has authority to submit the request, and must state the jurisdiction's reasons for the restriction. A copy of the notice must also be served on the PSP no later than ten days prior to the restriction. The requestor must post a notice prominently visible at the pay phone(s) ten days prior to the proposed restriction. The notice must explain what is proposed and how to file an objection with the governing agency.
Once the restriction is in place, the PSP must post on or near each restricted pay phone, in legible and prominent type, a description of each limitation in effect, the times when the restrictions will be in effect, and the name and toll-free number of the governmental agency recommending the restriction.
(7)Telephone directories. The provider of the PAL must furnish without charge one current telephone directory each year for each PAL. The PSP must ensure that a current directory is available at every pay phone.(8)Malfunctions and rule violations. The PSP must correct, within five days, malfunctions of the pay phone or rule violations reported to the repair or refund number or the commission.Wash. Admin. Code § 480-120-263
Statutory Authority: RCW 80.36.010, 80.36.110, 80.36.320, 80.36.330, 80.36.333, 80.36.338, 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 07-08-027 (Docket UT-060676, General Order R-540), § 480-120-263, filed 3/27/07, effective 4/27/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. 03-01-065 (Docket No. UT-990146, General Order No. R-507), § 480-120-263, filed 12/12/02, effective 7/1/03.