The Legislature finds that advancements in communications technology and innovation have significantly changed the way people communicate. In particular, wireless and Internet technologies delivered by multiple competitors are providing consumers and businesses with advanced communications services, enhancing the quality of life and economic productivity. The Legislature has determined that additional consumer and economic benefits can be achieved through the adoption of new policies promoting market-based competitive forces for today's advanced wireline communications services market, while maintaining commission oversight of basic local wireline telephone service and of issues associated with wholesale transactions that incumbent local exchange carriers have with other telecommunications carriers for the transmission and routing of telephone exchange service and exchange access.
Ala. Code § 37-2A-3 (1975)