Subject to section 4927.124 of the Revised Code, the public utilities commission shall allow upward alterations to the rate for basic local exchange service by an incumbent local exchange carrier by any amount necessary in order to comply with the eligibility requirements prescribed by the federal communications commission for the federal universal service high-cost program. Upward alterations may be ordered to be phased in over a period not to exceed three years if the commission determines that a phase-in is necessary to protect the public interest.
R.C. § 4927.122