Current through the 2023 Legislative Sessions
Section 49-21-02.4 - Unauthorized telecommunications service1. A telecommunications company shall comply with the provision of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, part 64, subpart k, in effect on January 1, 2001, regarding changes in a subscriber's selection of a provider of telecommunications service. The commission shall enforce the provisions of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, part 64, subpart k, in effect on January 1, 2001.2. A telecommunications company may not initiate an intrastate telecommunications service to a subscriber without authorization. A subscriber for whom an intrastate telecommunications service is initiated without authorization is absolved from liability for charges imposed by the service provider if the subscriber notifies the service provider within thirty days after the first billing for the unauthorized service. Upon being informed by the subscriber that an unauthorized initiation of service has occurred, the telecommunications company providing the service shall cancel the service, inform the subscriber of the thirty-day absolution period, and refund any payments made by the subscriber for the service during the absolution period. The telecommunications company may rebill for the service provided before cancellation if the company determines the service initiation was authorized. The remedies provided in this section are in addition to any other remedies available at law.3. If the commission finds an emergency exists that requires ex parte action, the commission may issue a cease and desist order without prior notice against a telecommunications company that the commission has reason to believe is in violation of this section or title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, part 64, subpart k, in effect on January 1, 2001. The cease and desist order must be:a. Directed against the telecommunications company's marketing of telecommunications service, not the company's provision of service to current customers;b. Accompanied by service on the telecommunications company of a commission order opening an investigation or a formal complaint regarding the company's compliance with this section; and c. Accompanied by service on the telecommunications company of a notice of opportunity to be heard on the cease and desist order within fifteen days of issuance of the cease and desist order.4. A telecommunications company that violates this section is deemed to have committed an unlawful practice in violation of section 51-15-02 and is subject to all the provisions, procedures, and penalties of chapter 51-15.