Section 49-21-02 - Telecommunications companies - Common carriers - Public policyAll persons providing telecommunications service within this state shall be common carriers and are hereby declared to be affected with a public interest and subject to regulation and general supervision by the commission. Among the purposes to be served by such regulation and supervision are:
1. To make available to all people of this state modern and efficient telecommunications services at the most economic and reasonable cost.2. To allow the development of competitive markets for telecommunications services where such competition does not unreasonably distract from the efficient provision of telecommunications services to the public, and to lessen regulation in whole or in part of those telecommunications services which become subject to effective competition.3. To establish and maintain reasonable charges for telecommunications services without unreasonable discrimination, or unfair or destructive competitive practices.4. To ensure that regulated charges do not include the costs of unregulated activities.5. To encourage the establishment and maintenance of a strong telecommunications industry.