65- 407 C.M.R. ch. 206, § 5

Current through 2024-51, December 18, 2024
Section 407-206-5 - ANNUAL CERTIFICATION OF ETCs
A. Annual Filing by CETCs

Each CETC seeking continued certification of the CETC's use of federal high cost universal service fund support pursuant to 47 C.F.R. §§54.307, 54.313, or 54.314 must request continued certification by July 31 and must certify that it will use federal high cost universal service funds only for the provision, maintenance, and upgrading of facilities and services for which the support is intended. Each CETC seeking continued certification must also file by July 31 the annual report and certifications required pursuant to Section 6 of this Chapter.

B.Commission Consideration of CETCs

The Commission will approve continued certification of a CETC if the CETC meets the requirements of this Chapter and has, to the greatest extent possible, carried out its investment plan filed pursuant to sections 3(C) and 6(H). The Commission may also consider whether continued designation as an ETC 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.

C.Commission Consideration of ETCs that are ILECs

The Commission shall determine whether each ILEC uses federal Universal Service Funds in a manner consistent with the requirements of 47 U.S.C. §214(e). Upon making such a determination, the Commission shall approve continued certification of the ILEC as an ETC. The Commission may require an ILEC to provide additional information to show that it meets the federal requirements.

D.Relinquishment of ETC Designation

A CETC seeking to relinquish its designation as an ETC for an area served by more than one ETC shall file a petition with the Commission not less than 9 months prior to the date of the proposed relinquishment.

E.Consumer Assistance Division

The Commission's Consumer Assistance Division shall resolve consumer disputes associated with all carriers that are ETCs using the dispute resolution procedures established in the Commission's rules.

65- 407 C.M.R. ch. 206, § 5