80.36.610 - Universal service program -- Authority of commission -- Rules -- Fees -- Legislative intent.

Universal service program — Authority of commission — Rules — Fees — Legislative intent.

(1) The commission is authorized to take actions, conduct proceedings, and enter orders as permitted or contemplated for a state commission under the federal telecommunications act of 1996, P.L. 104-104 (110 Stat. 56), but the commission's authority to either establish a new state program or to adopt new rules to preserve and advance universal service under section 254(f) of the federal act is limited to the actions expressly authorized by RCW 80.36.600. The commission may establish by rule fees to be paid by persons seeking commission action under the federal act, and by parties to proceedings under that act, to offset in whole or part the commission's expenses that are not otherwise recovered through fees in implementing the act, but new fees or assessments charged telecommunications carriers to either establish a state program or to adopt rules to preserve and advance universal service under section 254(f) of the federal act do not take effect until the legislature has approved a state universal service program.

     (2) The legislature intends that under the future universal service program established in this state:

     (a) Every telecommunications carrier that provides intrastate telecommunications services shall contribute, on an equitable and nondiscriminatory basis, to the preservation and advancement of universal service in the state;

     (b) The contributions shall be competitively and technologically neutral; and

     (c) The universal service program to be established in accordance with RCW 80.36.600 shall not be inconsistent with the requirements of 47 U.S.C. Sec. 254.

[1998 c 337 § 2.]

Notes: Severability -- 1998 c 337: See note following RCW 80.36.600.