392.455. Commission to establish certification process.
Commission to establish certification process.
392.455. Upon enactment of this section, the commission shallimmediately begin a proceeding to establish a basic localtelecommunications certification process. The commission may grantcertificates to new entrants to provide basic local telecommunicationsservice on a common carriage basis, subject to the provisions of sections392.380 and 392.390. In order to preserve and advance universal service,protect the public safety and welfare, insure the continued quality oftelecommunications services and safeguard the rights of consumers, suchprocess shall include, but not be limited to:
(1) A requirement that the applicant possess sufficient technical,financial and managerial resources and abilities to provide basic localtelecommunications service;
(2) A requirement that the applicant demonstrate that the services itproposes to offer satisfy the minimum standards established by thecommission;
(3) A requirement that the applicant set forth the geographic area inwhich it proposes to offer service and demonstrate that such area followsexchange boundaries of the incumbent local exchange telecommunicationscompany and is no smaller than an exchange;
(4) A requirement that all providers must offer basic localtelecommunications service as a separate and distinct service;
(5) A requirement that the commission give due consideration to theequitable access for all Missourians, regardless of where they live ortheir income, to affordable telecommunications services.
(L. 1996 S.B. 507)