Source: http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsr/2014/24/14-24-097.htm
Timestamp: 2020-04-01 20:22:03
Document Index: 174561642

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 42', 'art 54', 'art 32', 'art 32', 'art 32', 'art 32', 'art 32', 'art 32', 'art 32', 'art 32', 'art 32', 'art 32', 'art 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54']

WSR 14-24-097
[Docket UT-140680—Filed December 2, 2014, 9:52 a.m.]
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 14-15-046.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: This rule making proposes amending rules and eliminating requirements in existing rules in chapter 480-120 WAC, Telephone companies; chapter 480-121 WAC, Registration and competitive classification of telecommunications companies; chapter 480-122 WAC, Washington telephone assistance program; chapter 480-123 WAC, Universal service; chapter 480-140 WAC, Commission general—Budgets; and chapter 480-143 WAC, Commission general—Transfers of property. This rule making also proposes establishing damage reporting requirements in accordance with the 2011 amended underground utilities law, chapter 19.12.02 [19.122] RCW.
Hearing Location(s): Commission Hearing Room 206, Second Floor, Richard Hemstad Building, 1300 South Evergreen Park Drive S.W., Olympia, WA 98504-7250, on February 12, 2015, at 1:30 p.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: February 12, 2015.
Submit Written Comments to: Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, 1300 South Evergreen Park Drive S.W., P.O. Box 47250, Olympia, WA 98504-7250, e-mail records@utc.wa.gov, fax (360) 586-1150, by January 6, 2015. Please include "Docket UT-140680" in your comments.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Debbie Aguilar by January 29, 2015, TTY (360) 586-8203 or (360) 664-1132.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The telecommunications industry has undergone substantial technological and competitive changes in just the last few years. Washington consumers and businesses now have multiple choices of providers for their telephone services, and as a result the incumbent local exchange carriers have experienced significant declines in customers and local telephone service revenues. This proposal addresses the changes that have occurred in the telecommunications marketplace since 2007, the last time the commission revised its rules. In addition, this proposal establishes damage reporting requirements in accordance with the 2011 amended underground utilities law by requiring facilities operators to report damage events to the commission with forty-five days, with specific descriptive data about the event.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 19.122.053, chapter 19.122 RCW, RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: William Weinman, 1300 South Evergreen Park Drive S.W., Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 664-1109; Implementation and Enforcement: Steven V. King, 1300 South Evergreen Park Drive S.W., Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 664-1115.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The proposed rules will not result in or impose more than minor costs. Because there will not be more than minor increases in costs resulting from the proposed rule changes, a small business economic impact statement is not required under RCW 19.85.030(1).
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 07-08-027, filed 3/27/07, effective 4/27/07)
WAC 480-120-011 Application of rules.
(1) The rules in this chapter apply to any company that is subject to the jurisdiction of the commission as to rates ((and)) or services under the provisions of RCW 80.01.040 and chapters 80.04 and 80.36 RCW.
(2) Tariffs filed by companies must conform to these rules. If the commission accepts a tariff that conflicts with these rules, the acceptance is not a waiver of these rules unless the commission specifically approves the variation consistent with WAC 480-120-015 (Exemptions from rules in chapter 480-120 WAC). Tariffs that conflict with these rules without approval are superseded by these rules.
(3) Any affected person may ask the commission to review the interpretation of these rules by a company or customer by posing an informal complaint under WAC 480-07-910 (Informal complaints), or by filing a formal complaint under WAC 480-07-370 (Pleading—General).
WAC 480-120-015 Exemptions from rules in chapter 480-120 WAC.
The commission may grant an exemption from the provisions of any rule in this chapter in the same manner and consistent with the standards and according to the procedures set forth in WAC 480-07-110 (Exceptions from and modifications to ((the rules in this chapter; special)) commission rules).
WAC 480-120-021 Definitions.
The definitions in this section apply throughout the chapter except where there is an alternative definition in a specific section, or where the context clearly requires otherwise.
"Affiliated interest" means a person or corporation as defined in RCW 80.16.010.
"Control" means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a company, whether through the ownership of voting shares, by contract, or otherwise.
"Eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC)" means a carrier designated as an ETC pursuant to 47 U.S.C. Sec. 214(e).
"Order date" means the date when an applicant requests service unless a company identifies specific actions a customer must first take in order to be in compliance with tariffs or commission rules. Except as provided in WAC 480-120-061 (Refusing service) and 480-120-104 (Information to consumers), when specific actions are required of the applicant, the order date becomes the date the actions are completed by the applicant if the company has not already installed or activated service.
When an applicant requests service that requires customer-ordered special equipment, for purposes of calculating compliance with the one hundred eighty-day requirement of WAC 480-120-112 (Company performance for orders for nonbasic service) the order date is the application date unless the applicant fails to provide the support structure or perform other requirements of the tariff. In the event the applicant fails to provide the support structure or perform the other requirements of the tariff a new order date is established as the date when the applicant does provide the support structure or perform the other requirements of the tariff.
"Radio communications service company" has the meaning found in RCW 80.04.010, except that for the purposes of this section it includes only those companies providing two-way voice communication as a common carrier.
"Subsidiary" means any company in which the telecommunications company owns directly or indirectly five percent or more of the voting securities, unless the telecommunications company demonstrates it does not have control.
"Washington telephone assistance program" means the program of local exchange service discounts administered by the department.
WAC 480-120-026 Tariffs.
Companies that provide their customers with tariffed services must file those tariffs in accordance with chapter 480-80 WAC, Utilities general—Tariffs and contracts. This rule does not apply to companies competitively classified under RCW 80.36.320.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 08-19-001 and 08-20-113, filed 9/3/08 and 9/30/08, effective 10/4/08 and 10/31/08)
WAC 480-120-071 Extension of service.
(1) This rule applies to local exchange companies receiving federal high-cost universal service support.
(2) Definitions. The following definitions apply to this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Applicant" means any person applying to a telecommunications company for new ((tariffed)) residential basic local exchange service. Applicant does not include developers requesting service for developments.
"Cost of service extension" means the direct and indirect costs of the material and labor to plan and construct the facilities including, but not limited to, permitting fees, rights of way fees, and payments to subcontractors, and does not include the cost of reinforcement, network upgrade, or similar costs.
"Developer" means any owner of a development who offers it for disposition, or an agent of such an owner.
"Development" means land which is divided or is proposed to be divided for the purpose of disposition into four or more lots, parcels, or units.
"Distribution plant" means telephone equipment and facilities necessary to provide new ((tariffed)) residential basic local exchange service to a premises, but does not include drop wire.
"Drop wire" means company-supplied wire and pedestals to be placed between a premises and the company distribution plant at the applicant's property line. For drop wire installed after January 15, 2001, a drop wire must be sufficient in capacity to allow the provisioning of three individual basic exchange voice-grade access lines.
"Extension of service" means an extension of company distribution plant for new ((tariffed)) residential basic local exchange service to a location where no distribution plant of the extending company exists at the time an extension of service is requested. An extension is constructed at the request of one or more applicants for service. Extensions of service do not include trenches, conduits, or other support structure for placement of company-provided facilities from the applicant's property line to the premises to be served. Extension of service, as defined in this rule, does not apply to extensions of service to developments or to extensions of service for temporary occupancy or temporary service.
"Extraordinary cost" means a substantial expense resulting from circumstances or conditions beyond the control of the company that are exceptional and unlikely to occur in the normal course of planning and constructing facilities contemplated by this rule.
"Order date" as defined in WAC 480-120-021 (Definitions) means the date when an applicant requests service unless a company identifies specific actions a customer must first complete in order to be in compliance with ((tariffs or)) commission rules. Except as provided in WAC 480-120-061 (Refusing service) and 480-120-104 (Information to consumers), when specific actions are required to be completed by the applicant, the order date becomes the date the company receives the completed application for extension of service.
"Premises" means any structure that is used as a residence, but does not include predominantly commercial or industrial structures.
(("Tariffed" means offered under a tariff filed with the commission.))
"Temporary occupancy" means occupancy definitely known to be for less than one year but does not include intermittent or seasonal use when the intermittent or seasonal use will occur in more than a one-year period.
"Temporary service" means service definitely known to be for a short period of time, such as service provided for construction huts, sales campaigns, athletic contests, conventions, fairs, circuses, and similar events.
(((2) Tariffed)) (3) Residential basic local exchange service.
(a) Each ((company required to file tariffs under RCW 80.36.100, and each company required to do so under an alternative form of regulation, must have on file with the commission an extension of service tariff for residential basic local exchange service consistent with this rule. Each company must extend service consistent with its tariff and this section.
(b))) wire line ETC must, within seven business days of an applicant's initial request, ((each company to which (a) of this subsection applies must)) provide the applicant with an application for extension of service. The company must also provide the applicant a brief explanation of the extension of service rules((, including the requirement that subsequent applicants must contribute to the cost of a previously built extension that is less than five years old)).
(((c))) (b) The company must process applications that require an extension of service in a timely manner((, consistent with the following:
(i) When there will be no charge for an extension of service as a result of the allowances required under subsection (3) of this section, the company must construct the extension and provide new tariffed residential basic local exchange service within thirteen months of the order date unless the commission grants the company's request to charge the applicant for extraordinary extension of service costs.
(ii) For an extension of service that exceeds the allowances provided under subsection (3) of this section, within one hundred twenty days of the order date, the company must provide the applicant a bill for the estimated cost of construction of the extension of service under subsection (4)(a) of this section. The company must include with the bill a notice to the applicant of the right to be reimbursed for a portion of the cost by a subsequent applicant as provided under subsection (5) of this section.
(iii) When the company bills for the estimated construction charges, including extraordinary costs as allowed in this section, it must complete the extension of service and provide new tariffed residential basic local exchange service within twelve months after the applicant meets the payment terms established by the company (e.g., payment in full, partial payment on a schedule). If there are multiple applicants under subsection (4)(b) of this section, then all applicants must meet the payment terms established by the company)).
(((3))) (4) Allowances.
(a) A ((company's tariff)) company must allow for an extension of service within its service territory up to one thousand feet at no charge to the applicant. The ((tariff)) company may allow for an extension of service for distances over the allowance ((at no charge to the applicant)).
(b) The applicant is responsible for the cost of that portion of the extension of service, if any, that exceeds the allowance. ((When the applicant meets the company's payment terms under subsection (2)(c)(iii) of this section, the company must construct the extension of service.)) The ((company's tariff)) company must permit multiple applicants to aggregate their allowances when an extension of service to two or more applicants would follow a single construction path.
(((c) If the company determines that the first one thousand feet of an extension of service will involve extraordinary costs, the company may petition for permission to charge the applicant(s) for those costs. The petition must be in the form required under WAC 480-07-370 (1)(b)(ii) and the company must file the petition within one hundred twenty days after the order date. The company must provide notice to the applicant of the petition.
(4))) (5) Determining costs and billing for extensions of service longer than allowances.
(a) The company must estimate the cost of the service extension that is attributable to distribution plant that must be extended beyond the applicable allowance established under subsection (((3))) (4)(b) of this section.
(b) ((When two or more applicants request service and aggregate their allowances, and it is still necessary to construct an extension of service longer than the aggregated incremental allowances, the company must bill each applicant for an equal portion of the allowable charge (e.g., when two applicants aggregate allowances, the charge is divided by two; when five applicants aggregate allowances, the charge is divided by five). Multiple applicants may agree to divide the bill among themselves in amounts different from those billed as long as the billing company receives full payment.
(c))) At the completion of the construction of the extension of service, the company must determine the difference between the estimated cost ((provided under subsection (2)(c)(ii) of this section)) and the actual cost of construction. The company must provide to the applicant detailed construction costs showing the difference. The company must refund any overpayment and may charge the applicant for reasonable additional costs up to ten percent of the estimate.
(((d) The company must retain records pertaining to the construction charges paid for a period of at least six years from payment of the charges by the original applicant(s).
(5) Subsequent applicants to existing extensions of service for which construction charges were paid.
(a) If within five years of the order date for an extension of service a subsequent applicant seeks service from that previous extension of service and the original applicant(s) paid construction charges under subsection (4) of this section, then the company tariff must require the subsequent applicant to pay a proportionate share of the original extension of service charges before extending service. The tariff must provide that the amount paid by subsequent applicants will be refunded proportionately to the original applicant(s) who paid the extension charges.
(b) The company must provide notice to the last known address of the original applicant(s) of the amount of the refund due the applicant(s). Any refund not requested within sixty days of the date notice was sent will be returned to the subsequent applicant.))
(6) Requirements for supporting structures and trenches.
(a) A company ((tariff)) may condition construction on completion of support structures, trenches, or both on the applicant's property.
(i) Applicants are responsible for installation of all supporting structures required for placement of company-provided drop wire from the applicant's property line to the applicant's premises. The company may offer to construct supporting structures and dig trenches and may charge for those services, but the ((tariff)) company must not require that applicants use only company services to construct supporting structures and dig trenches. The offer must clearly state that the applicant may choose to employ a different company for construction services.
(ii) The company ((tariff)) may require that all supporting structures required for placement of company-provided drop wire from the applicant's property line to the premises are placed in accordance with reasonable company construction specifications. The ((tariff)) company must require that, once in place and in use, all supporting structures and drop wire will be maintained by the company as long as the company provides service, and any support structure and trenches constructed at company expense are owned by the company.
(b) ((The tariff must provide that)) Once supporting structures, trenches, or both, have been constructed, the company ((will)) must provide drop wire to applicants at no charge.
(7) Temporary service. ((Each company required to file tariffs under RCW 80.36.100 (Tariff schedules to be filed and open to public—Exceptions), and each company regulated under an alternative form of regulation, must have on file with the commission an extension of service tariff for temporary service consistent with this rule. Each company must extend service consistent with its tariff and this section. A company tariff for extension of temporary service)) A company may not provide allowances (e.g., one thousand feet without charge) or discounts on the cost of construction((.
(8) Application of rule.
(a) The prior WAC 480-120-071, as it was in effect on June 1, 2008, will continue to apply to applications for extension of service that a company has completed or accepted before October 4, 2008.
(b) This section, as amended effective October 4, 2008, applies to all other requests for service before and after the effective date)) for extension of temporary service.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 03-22-046, filed 10/29/03, effective 11/29/03)
WAC 480-120-083 Cessation of telecommunications services.
(1) This rule applies to any telecommunications company that ceases the provision of any telecommunications service in all or any portion of the state (exiting telecommunications company). This rule does not apply to:
(a) Services offered by tariff that are subject to the statutory notice requirements of RCW 80.36.110 (Tariff changes—Statutory notice—Exception);
(b) Discontinuance of service to an individual customer in compliance with WAC 480-120-172 (Discontinuing service—Company initiated);
(c) Cessation of a service when the provider replaces the terminated service with comparable service without interruption. For example, the notice requirements of this rule do not apply when a local exchange carrier (LEC) providing Centrex-type service with one group of features replaces that service, without interruption, with a version of Centrex-type service that has a different group of features; and
(d) A service being discontinued that has no subscribers.
Changes in customers' service providers for local exchange and intrastate toll services when there is a cessation of service are also subject to WAC 480-120-147 (Changes in local exchange and intrastate toll services).
(2) No telecommunications company may cease the provision of any telecommunications service in all or any portion of the state unless it first provides written notice to the following persons at least 30 days in advance of cessation of service:
(b) The state 911 program, in the instance of local exchange service, private branch exchange service (PBX), Centrex-type service, or private line service used in the provision of emergency services related to the state 911 program;
(c) Each of its customers, including customers that are telecommunications companies;
(d) Incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) providing the exiting telecommunications company with unbundled network elements (UNEs) pursuant to the Telecommunications Act of 1996, 47 U.S.C. Section 151 et seq., if UNEs or combinations of UNEs are part of a telecommunications service provided to some or all of the exiting telecommunications company's customers;
(e) Each telecommunications company providing the exiting telecommunications company with resold telecommunications service, if resold service is part of a telecommunications service provided to some or all of the exiting telecommunications company's customers;
(f) The national number administrator authorizing the release of all assigned telephone numbers to other telecommunications companies and releasing all unassigned telephone numbers to the number administrator.
(3) The notice to the commission and the state 911 program required in subsections (2)(a) and (b) must include:
(a) The name of the exiting telecommunications company;
(b) For each category of service, the date each telecommunications service will cease; and
(c) The number of customers for each telecommunications service and their location, described by exchange or by city and county for each telecommunications service being ceased.
(4) The notice to customers required in subsection (2)(c) must include:
(a) The date telecommunications service will cease;
(b) Information on how to contact the exiting telecommunications company by telephone in order to obtain information needed to establish service with another provider;
(c) An explanation of how customers may receive a refund on any unused service. The exiting telecommunications company must provide information to consumers via its customer service number outlining the procedure for obtaining refunds and continue to provide this information for sixty days after the date of cessation of service.
(d) A second notice provided by one of the two options listed below:
(i) Between ten and thirty days before cessation of service, the exiting telecommunications company must complete one direct call advising every customer of the cessation of service, including the date of cessation of service and a number to call for more information, if necessary. A direct call means a call in which the company leaves a recorded voice message for or speaks directly to the responsible party or its agent on the billing account; or
(ii) At least ten days before cessation of service, the exiting telecommunications company must provide a second written notice of cessation of service including the date of cessation of service and a number to call for more information, if necessary;
(e) A company may seek the commission's assistance in drafting the customer notices.
(5) The notice to ILECs required in subsection (2)(d) must include:
(b) Identification of the UNE components in relationship to the service information provided to the customer when such information differs from the ILEC's identification information as billed to the exiting telecommunications company. For example, if the ILEC identifies a UNE loop with a circuit identification number, the exiting telecommunications company must provide the ILEC with the customer telephone number assigned to the ILEC's UNE loop circuit identification number; and
(c) The telephone contact information to enable the ILEC or new provider to obtain UNE service and circuit identification information needed to establish service for a customer who will no longer receive service from the exiting telecommunications company.
(6) The notice to suppliers required in subsection (2)(e) must include:
(b) Identification of the resold service element components in relationship to the service information provided to the customer, when such information differs from the supplier's identification information as billed to the exiting telecommunications company; and
(c) Telephone contact information to enable the regulated supplier or new provider to obtain underlying service and circuit identification information needed to establish comparable replacement service for a customer who will no longer receive service from the exiting telecommunications company.
(7) The notice to the national number administrator required in subsection (2)(f) must include:
(a) Identification of all working telephone numbers assigned to customers;
(b) Identification of all unassigned or administrative numbers available for reassignment to other providers and the date such unassigned telephone numbers will be available for reassignment; and
(c) Authorization of the release of each individual assigned customer's telephone number(s) to subsequent providers selected by the customer.
(8) ILECs and telecommunications companies that are suppliers under subsection (6) must provide the information in the required notice(s) (if received) to the subsequent provider upon a request authorized by the customer.
(9) A telecommunications company ceasing a local exchange service, a PBX service, a Centrex-type service, or a private line service used in the provision of emergency services related to the state 911 program must inform the commission and the state 911 program within twenty-four hours of the cessation of telecommunications service of the number of customers and their location, listed by exchange or by city and county, that remained as customers for the telecommunications service when service ceased.
(10) Canceling registration. A company canceling its registration as a telecommunications company must notify the commission in writing and, as applicable, comply with the requirements of WAC 480-120-083, Cessation of telecommunications services. It remains subject to commission jurisdiction with respect to its provision of telecommunications service during the time it was registered, and it must file an annual report and pay regulatory fees for the period during which it was registered.
WAC 480-120-104 Information to consumers.
(1) Except for services provided under written contract pursuant to competitive classification, each company must provide an applicant for initial service with a confirming notice or welcome letter, either in writing or with permission of the customer, electronically. The confirming notice or welcome letter must be provided to the applicant or customer no later than fifteen days after installation of service and must provide, at a minimum:
(c) If the application is for local exchange service, the LEC must either provide the following information ((required in WAC 480-120-251 (6)(a) through (f) or must)) or inform the customer that ((additional information pertaining to local exchange service)) it may be found ((in the consumer information guide of the local telephone directory as required in WAC 480-120-251)) on the company's web site:
(i) Process for establishing credit and determining the need and amount for deposits;
(ii) Procedure by which a bill becomes delinquent;
(iii) Steps that must be taken by the company to disconnect service;
(iv) Washington telephone assistance program (WTAP);
(v) Federal enhanced tribal lifeline program, if applicable; and
(vi) Right of the customer to pursue any dispute with the company, including the appropriate procedures within the company and then to the commission by informal or formal complaint.
(2) Except for services provided under written contract pursuant to competitive classification, each company must provide each customer a confirming notice, either in writing or, with permission of the customer, electronically, within fifteen days of initiating a material change in service which results in the addition of a service, a change from one rate schedule to another, or a change in terms or conditions of an existing service. The confirming notice must provide at a minimum, the following information in clear and conspicuous language:
(5) Each company must provide business offices or customer service centers that are accessible by telephone or in person. A business office or customer service center that serves more than one exchange must provide toll-free calling from each exchange to the office. Each business office or customer service center must be staffed by qualified personnel who can provide information relating to all services and rates, accept and process applications for service, explain charges on customers' bills, adjust charges made in error, and generally act as representatives of the company.
WAC 480-120-122 Establishing credit—Residential services.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 03-01-065, filed 12/12/02, effective 7/1/03)
WAC 480-120-123 Establishing credit—Business services.
(1) As set forth in this section, a company may require a business applicant or customer to demonstrate satisfactory credit by reasonable means appropriate under the circumstances.
(2) Amount of deposit. When a company requests a deposit from an applicant or customer, the amount of the deposit may not exceed two months' customary use for an applicant or customer with previous verifiable service of the same class, or two months' estimated use for an applicant or customer without previous verifiable service. Customary use is calculated using charges for the previous three months' service.
(3) Deposit payment. Companies may withhold regulated services until the deposit amount associated with such services is paid in full.
(4) Deposit requirement notice.
(a) When a company requests a new deposit or a larger deposit amount after service has been established, the company must provide a written notice of the reasons for the request in writing to the customer, state the date the deposit must be paid, and the actions the company may take if the deposit is not paid.
(b) Except for circumstances described in subsection (5) of this section, the deposit or additional deposit amount may not be due and payable before 5:00 p.m. of the sixth business day after notice of the deposit requirement is mailed or 5:00 p.m. of the second business day following delivery if the notice is delivered in person to the customer.
(((5) Deposit request for high toll.
(a) A company authorized by the commission to collect deposits or advanced payments may require a customer to pay a new or additional deposit amount to advanced toll charges when the customer's toll charges exceed the amount currently held as an interexchange deposit, or exceed customary use over the previous six months by twenty dollars or by twenty percent, whichever is greater. A company may toll restrict a customer's services if the customer is unable pay the toll or deposit amount.
(b) When a customer has exceeded the toll levels outlined in (a) of this subsection, the company may require payment before the close of the next business day following delivery of either written or oral notice to the customer indicating that failure to pay one of the following may result in toll restriction of the customer's service. The customer must be given the option to pay one of the following:
(i) All outstanding toll charges specified in the notice;
(iii) Payment of a new or additional deposit in light of the customer's actual use based upon two months' customary use.))
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 05-03-031, filed 1/10/05, effective 2/10/05)
WAC 480-120-147 Changes in local exchange and intrastate toll services.
(a) The company has obtained the subscriber's written or electronic authorization to submit the order (letter of agency). The letter of agency must be a separate electronic form, located on a separate screen or web page, or a separate written document (or easily separable document) containing only the authorizing language described in (a)(i) through (vi) of this subsection, having the sole purpose of authorizing a telecommunications company to initiate a preferred company change. The letter of agency, whether written or electronic, must be signed and dated by the subscriber of the telephone line(s) requesting the preferred company change. The letter of agency must not be combined on the same document or on the same screen or web page with inducements of any kind; however, it may be combined with checks that contain only the required letter of agency language as prescribed in (a)(i) through (vi) of this subsection, and the necessary information to make the check a negotiable instrument. The check may not contain any promotional language or material. It must contain, in easily readable, boldface type on the front of the check, a notice that the subscriber is authorizing a preferred company change by signing the check. Letter-of-agency language must be placed near the signature line on the back of the check. Any company designated in a letter of agency as a preferred company must be the company directly setting the rates for the subscriber. If any portion of a letter of agency is translated into another language, then all portions must be translated into that language, as well as any promotional materials, oral descriptions or instructions provided with the letter of agency. The letter of agency must confirm the following information from the subscriber:
WAC 480-120-165 Customer complaints.
(1) Each company must have adequate personnel available during regular business days to address customer complaints.
(2) When a company receives an oral or written complaint from an applicant or customer regarding its service or regarding another company's service for which it provides billing, collection, or responses to inquiries, the company must acknowledge the complaint as follows:
(a) Provide the name of the company's contact to the complainant;
(b) Investigate the complaint promptly;
(c) Report the results of the investigation to the complainant;
(d) Take corrective action, if warranted, as soon as appropriate under the circumstances;
(e) Inform the complainant that the decision may be appealed to a supervisor at the company; and
(f) Inform the complainant, if still dissatisfied after speaking to a supervisor, of the right to file a complaint with the commission and provide the commission address and toll-free telephone number.
(((2))) (3) When a company receives a complaint from an applicant or customer regarding another company's service for which it provides only billing service, the company must provide the complainant a toll-free number to reach the appropriate office for the other company that is authorized to investigate and take corrective action to resolve the dispute or complaint.
(((3))) (4) The company must insure that records and information about complaints and disputes are used only for the purposes of resolving the complaint or dispute and improving service and practices.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 02-23-004, filed 11/7/02, effective 1/1/03)
WAC 480-120-217 Using privacy listings for telephone solicitation.
(1) A local exchange company may not make telephone solicitation or telemarketing calls using its list of customers with nonpublished or unlisted numbers unless it has notified each such customer at least once in the past year that the company makes such calls to its customers with nonpublished or unlisted numbers and that the customer has a right to direct that the company make no such calls.
(2) When the company provides the notice required in subsection (1) of this section in writing, the notice must include a toll-free number and an electronic mail address the customer may use to state that solicitation should not be made.
(3) When the company provides the notice in subsection (1) of this section by phone call, the customer must be informed that inclusion in a solicitation list may be declined and if declined, the company must not make any additional solicitation.
(4) If a company uses or provides subscriber list information for purposes other than directory publishing or compliance with 47 U.S.C. Sec. 251 (b)(3), it must exclude from use or disclosure the subscriber list information of any customer who subscribes to a privacy listing, including a nonpublished or unlisted number, or who directs the company to exclude subscriber list information relating to his or her service.
WAC 480-120-255 Information delivery services.
(2) Local exchange companies (LECs) offering access to information-delivery services must provide each residential customer the opportunity to block access to all information delivery services offered by that company. ((Companies must fulfill an initial request for blocking free of charge. Companies may charge a rate set forth in the tariff or in the rates, terms and conditions of competitively classified services for subsequent blocking requests (i.e., if a customer has unblocked his or her access).))
(3) The LEC must inform residential customers of the blocking service through a ((single-topic)) bill insert and publication of a notice in a conspicuous location on the company's web site or in the consumer information pages of the local white pages telephone directory. The LEC must include in the notice and bill insert the residential customers' rights under the law((, the definition of "information delivery services" as defined in subsection (1) of this section, and)) to request blocking a statement that these services often are called "900" numbers, and the telephone number to call to request blocking. ((The LEC must include notice that customers have the right under Washington law to request free blocking of access to information-delivery services on their residential telephone lines, that blocking will prevent access to information-delivery services from their residential telephone line, that customers may request free blocking of access to information-delivery services on their residential telephone lines by calling the LEC at a specified telephone number, that the Washington utilities and transportation commission is authorized under RCW 80.36.500 to enforce this law, and that customers may contact the commission for further information. The LEC must include the commission's address, toll-free telephone number, and web site:
www.wutc.wa.gov))
WAC 480-120-256 Caller identification service.
(((1))) The company that provides caller identification service must provide its retail customers the capability of blocking the delivery of their numbers, names, or locations both on a per call basis and on a per line basis. The company must not charge a monthly fee or per call fee for caller identification blocking. The company must not charge a nonrecurring fee for caller identification blocking:
(((a))) (1) When the service is requested at the time an access line is connected;
(((b))) (2) The first time the service is added to an access line; or
(((c))) (3) The first time the service is removed from an access line.
(((2) At least ninety days before offering caller identification services the company must send notice to its customers. The notice must explain caller identification per call blocking, caller identification line blocking, a customer's right to have the numbers blocked one-time free of charge, and an explanation that call blocking does not apply to the delivery of caller numbers, name, or locations to a 911 or enhanced 911 service, other emergency service, or a customer-originated trace. The notice must include an explanation that call blocking will not work on all services, including, but not limited to, 800 and 900 numbers, long distance, and primary rate interface service.
For purposes of this section, "primary rate interface services" means an ISDN service that uses a digital rate of one thousand five hundred forty-four Mbits per second, whether used like business trunks for digital PBXs with up to twenty-four circuits at a rate of sixty-four kbits per second per circuit, or used as a single circuit at the DS1 rate. A company may offer caller identification service if the company complies with this section.))
WAC 480-120-258 Collocation.
"Points of interface (POI)" means the demarcation between the networks of an ILEC and a CLEC. The POI is the point where the ex-change of traffic takes place.
(c) If the ordered collocation space was not included in a periodic forecast submitted by the CLEC to the ILEC at least three months in advance of the order, the commission declines to apply the forty-five calendar day interval in (b) of this subsection and the national standards adopted by the FCC shall apply.
(d) Following any initial notification as required in subsection (2) of this section, the ILEC must notify the CLEC of any change in circumstances as soon as the ILEC is aware of those circumstances and must take all reasonable steps to avoid or minimize any delays caused by those circumstances including, but not limited to, joint provisioning of collocation elements by the ILEC and CLEC, or sole construction by the CLEC, through a mutually acceptable third-party contractor.
(h) Upon order of the CLEC and concurrent with delivery of the collocation space and related facilities, the ILEC must provide basic telephone service to the collocation space under the rates, terms, and conditions of the ILEC's current tariff offering for the service ordered. The ILEC must also provide CLEC employees, contractors, and representatives with reasonable access to basic facilities, such as restroom facilities and parking, while at the ILEC premises.
(d) The commission will decide any petition filed under (c) of this subsection through an expedited proceeding conducted in accordance with the relevant procedural requirements and time lines established in WAC 480-07-650. The ILEC bears the burden to prove to the commission that the ordered collocation is not practical for technical reasons or because of space limitations. The ILEC may be relieved of its obligation to provide collocation at a particular ILEC premises only to the extent expressly provided by commission order.
(e) Each ILEC must maintain a list of all of its central offices in Washington in which insufficient space exists to accommodate one or more types of collocation. The list must specify which types of collocation are unavailable in each office and whether the commission has approved the ILEC's denial of collocation in that office. The ILEC must post this list on its publicly accessible web site and provide a copy of the list to any CLEC upon request. The ILEC must update this list within ten business days of: (i) Denying a CLEC's order for collocation; (ii) the service date of any order from the commission approving or disapproving such a denial; (iii) providing notice to CLECs previously denied collocation that space has become available in a central office; or (iv) obtaining knowledge through any other means that space for one or more types of collocation is no longer available or has become available in a particular central office.
WAC 480-120-259 Washington telephone assistance program.
(1) The commission will set by order the telephone assistance rate to be paid by program participants for local service. Every wireline eligible telecommunications company (ETC) must offer the telephone assistance rates and discounts in accordance with RCW 80.36.410 through 80.36.470.
(2) No change of service charge shall be charged to an eligible subscriber for the establishment of service under the telephone assistance program.
(3) Local exchange companies shall maintain their accounting records so that expenses associated with the telephone assistance program can be separately identified.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 07-18-009, filed 8/23/07, effective 9/23/07)
WAC 480-120-262 Operator service providers (OSPs).
(1) Only for the purpose of this section:
"Consumer" means the party paying for a call using operator services. For collect calls, a consumer is both the originating party and the party who receives the call.
"Customer" means the call aggregator or pay phone service provider (PSP) contracting with an operator service provider (OSP) for service, such as hotel, motel, hospital, correctional facility, prison, campus, or similar entity.
"Operator service provider (OSP)" means any corporation, company, partnership, or person providing a connection to intrastate or interstate long-distance or to local services from locations of call aggregators.
"Operator services" means any telecommunications service provided to a call aggregator location that includes automated or live assistance to consumers in billing or completing (or both) telephone calls, other than those billed to the number from which the call originated or those completed through an access code used to bill a consumer's account previously established with the company.
This section applies to OSPs providing operator services from pay phones and other call aggregator locations. Each OSP must maintain a current list of the customers it serves in Washington and the locations and telephone numbers where the service is provided.
(2) Posted disclosure. OSPs must post clearly, legibly, and unobstructed, on or near the front of the pay phone the presubscribed OSP's name, address, and toll-free number, as registered with the commission. This information must be updated within thirty days after a change of OSPs. OSPs must post a notice to consumers that they can access other long distance companies and, in contrasting colors, the commission compliance number for consumer complaints and the following information:
(3) Oral disclosure of rates. This subsection applies to all calls from pay phones or other call aggregator locations, including, but not limited to, prison phones and store-and-forward pay phones ((or "smart" phones)). When a collect call is placed, both the consumer placing the call and the consumer receiving the call must be given the rate quote options required by this section.
(a) Oral rate disclosure message required. Before an operator-assisted call from a call aggregator location can be connected by an OSP (whether by a presubscribed or other provider), the OSP must first provide an oral rate disclosure message to the consumer. If the charges to the consumer do not exceed the benchmark rate in (f) of this subsection, the oral rate disclosure message must comply with the requirements of (b) of this subsection. In all other instances, the oral rate disclosure message must comply with the requirements of (c) of this subsection.
(b) Rate disclosure method when charges do not exceed benchmark. The oral rate disclosure message must state that the consumer may receive a rate quote and explain the method of obtaining the quote. The method of obtaining the quote may be by pressing a specific key or keys, but no more than two keys, or by staying on the line. If the consumer follows the directions to obtain the rate quote, the OSP must state all rates and charges that will apply if the consumer completes the call.
(c) Rate disclosure method when rates exceed benchmark. The oral rate disclosure message must state all rates and charges that will apply if the consumer completes the call.
(d) Charge must not exceed rate quote. If the OSP provides a rate quote pursuant to either (b) or (c) of this subsection, the charges to the user must not exceed the quoted rate. If a consumer complains to the commission that the charges exceeded the quoted rate, and the consumer states the exact amount of the quote, there will be a rebuttable presumption that the quote provided by the complaining consumer was the quote received by the consumer at the time the call was placed or accepted.
(e) Completion of call. Following the consumer's response to any of the above, the OSP must provide oral information advising that the consumer may complete the call by entering the consumer's calling card number.
(f) Benchmark rates. An OSP's charges for a particular call exceed the benchmark rate if the sum of all charges, other than taxes and fees required by law to be assessed directly on the consumer, would exceed, for any duration of the call, the sum of fifty cents multiplied by the duration of the call in minutes plus fifty cents. For example, an OSP's charges would exceed the benchmark rate if any of these conditions were true:
(i) Charges for a one-minute call exceeded one dollar;
(ii) Charges for a five-minute call exceeded three dollars; or
(iii) Charges for a ten-minute call exceeded five dollars and fifty cents.
(4) Access. Pay phones must provide access to the services identified in WAC 480-120-263(3).
(5) Branding. The OSP must identify audibly and distinctly the OSP providing the service at the beginning of every call, including an announcement to the called party on collect calls. The OSP must ensure that the call begins no later than immediately following the prompt to enter billing information on automated calls and on live and automated operator calls, when the call is initially routed to the operator. The OSP must state the name of the company as registered with the commission (or its registered "doing business as" name) whenever referring to the OSP. When not necessary to identify clearly the OSP, the company may omit terms such as "company," "communications," "incorporated," or "of the Northwest."
(6) Billing. The OSP must provide to the billing company applicable call detail necessary for billing purposes and an address and toll-free number for consumer inquiries. The OSP must ensure that consumers are not billed for calls that are not completed. For billing purposes calls must be itemized, identified, and rated from the point of origination to the point of termination. An OSP may not transfer a call to another company unless the call can be billed from the point of origin. The OSP must provide specific call detail upon request, in accordance with WAC 480-120-161 (Form of bills). Charges billed to a credit card need not conform to the call detail requirements of that section.
(7) Operational capabilities. The OSP must answer at least ninety percent of all calls within ten seconds of the time the call reaches the company's switch. The OSP must maintain adequate facilities in all locations so the overall blockage rate for lack of facilities, including the facilities for access to consumers' preferred interexchange companies, does not exceed one percent in the time-consistent busy hour. Should excessive blockage occur, the OSP must determine what caused the blockage and take immediate steps to correct the problem. The OSP must reoriginate calls to another company upon request and without charge when technically able to accomplish reorigination with screening and allow billing from the point of origin of the call. If reorigination is not available, the OSP must provide dialing instructions for the consumer's preferred company.
(8) Fraud protection.
(a) A company may not bill a call aggregator for:
(i) Charges billed to a line for originating calls using company access codes, toll-free access codes, or originating calls that otherwise reach an operator position if the originating line subscribed to outgoing call screening or pay phone specific ANI coding digits and the call was placed after the effective date of the outgoing call screening or pay phone specific ANI coding digits order; or
(ii) Collect or third-number-billed calls if the line serving the call that was billed had subscribed to incoming call screening (also termed "billed number screening") and if the call was placed after the effective date of the call screening service order.
(b) The access line provider must remove from the call aggregator's bill any calls billed through the access line provider in violation of this subsection. If investigation by the access line provider determines that the pertinent call screening or pay phone specific ANI coding digits was operational when the call was made, the access line provider may return the charges for the call to the company as not billable.
(c) Any call billed directly by an OSP, or through a billing method other than the access line provider, which is billed in violation of this subsection, must be removed from the call aggregator's bill. The company providing the service may request an investigation by the access line provider. If the access line provider determines that call screening or pay phone specific ANI coding digits (which would have prevented the call) was subscribed to by the call aggregator and was not operational at the time the call was placed, the OSP must bill the access line provider for the call.
(9) Suspension. The commission may suspend the registration of any company providing operator services if the company fails to meet minimum service levels or to provide disclosure to consumers of protection available under chapter 80.36 RCW and pertinent rules.
Except as required by federal law, no provider of pay phone access line service may provide service to any OSP whose registration is suspended.
((Subpart A: General Rules))
((Subpart B: Accounting Requirements))
WAC 480-120-339 Streamlined filing requirements for Class B telecommunications company rate increases.
(1) A Class B company, as defined in WAC 480-120-021 (Definitions), may use the streamlined treatment described in this section for seeking a general rate increase, as an alternative to the requirements in WAC 480-07-510 (General rate proceedings—Electric, natural gas, pipeline, and telecommunications companies).
(2) General information required. A Class B company seeking streamlined treatment for a proposed general rate increase must submit the following information at the time of filing or prior to its first notice to customers, whichever occurs first:
(a) A copy of its customer notice as specified in subsection (6) of this section.
(b) A results-of-operations statement, on a commission basis, demonstrating that the company is not presently exceeding a reasonable level of earnings. If the company is exceeding a reasonable level of earnings, the proposed increase must be reduced accordingly.
(c) All supporting documentation used to develop the results-of-operations statement, including supporting documentation for all adjustments.
(d) The results-of-operations statement filed under this subsection must include Washington intrastate results of operations and total Washington results of operations. If a company cannot provide Washington intrastate results of operations with reasonable accuracy, the commission may consider the total Washington results of operations including the interstate jurisdiction.
(3) Adjustments provided for in the results of operations.
(a) The results-of-operations statement must provide restating actual adjustments and pro forma adjustments in accordance with (b) of this subsection.
(b) Before the achieved return is calculated, a company must adjust the booked results of operations for restating actual and pro forma adjustments, including the following:
(i) Nonoperating items;
(ii) Extraordinary items;
(iii) Nonregulated operating items; and
(iv) All other items that materially distort the test period.
(4) ((Rate of return. The authorized overall rate-of-return (for purposes of this section only) is eleven and twenty-five one-hundredths percent.
(5))) Rate design. A Class B company filing pursuant to this section must clearly describe the basis for allocating any revenue requirement change proposed by customer class (e.g., residential, business, and interexchange).
(((6))) (5) Customer notice. The company must notify customers consistent with the manner outlined in WAC 480-120-194 (Publication of proposed tariff changes to increase charges or restrict access to services), and must include the following information:
(a) The proposed increase expressed in:
(i) Total dollars and average percentage terms; and
(ii) The average monthly increases the customers in each category or subcategory of service might reasonably expect;
(b) The name and mailing address of the commission and public counsel;
(c) A statement that customers may contact the commission or public counsel with respect to the proposed rate change; and
(d) The date, time, and place of the public meeting, if known.
(((7) Public meeting(s). The commission will ordinarily hold at least one public meeting in the area affected by the rate increase within forty-five days after the date of filing.
(8))) (6) Final action. The commission will ordinarily take final action on a filing under this section within ninety days after the date of filing.
(((9))) (7) The commission may decline to apply the procedures outlined in this section if it has reason to believe that:
(a) The quality of the company's service is not consistent with its public service obligations; or
(b) A more extensive review is required of the company's results of operations or proposed rate design.
(((10))) (8) Nothing in this rule will be construed to prevent any company, the commission, any customer, or any other party from using any other procedures that are otherwise permitted by law.
WAC 480-120-349 Retaining and preserving records and reports.
(2) Companies must adhere to the retention requirements ((of)) published by the Federal Communications Commission in Title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 42, Preservation of Records of Communication Common Carriers ((published by the Federal Communications Commission)) and Part 54, Universal Service. The effective date is stated in WAC 480-120-999, Adoption by reference.
WAC 480-120-352 Washington Exchange Carrier Association (WECA).
(1) The Washington Exchange Carrier Association (WECA) may:
(a) Tariffs and contracts;
(c) Revenue objectives or petitions for distribution from the "state universal communications services program" filed in accordance with WAC 480-123-110;
(5) ((To the extent that WECA is involved in the collection and redistribution of funds under commission orders authorizing certain revenue sharing arrangements under common tariff, it must maintain, provide, and report to the commission annual financial reports, by July 1 of each year, relating to the arrangements. Annual financial reports must include:
(6))) Each local exchange company in the state of Washington has the option of using WECA as its filing agent, tariff bureau, or both. Companies using WECA collectively may file intrastate rates, tariffs, or service proposals.
(((7))) (6) Nothing in this section will be construed as amending or modifying WECA's current methods of administration. ((WECA's access charge pooling administration plan is on file with the commission and may be obtained by contacting the commission's records center and requesting the "Ninth Supplemental Order in Docket No. UT-971140 with Attachment" dated June 28, 2000.))
WAC 480-120-359 Accounting for telecommunications companies not classified as competitive.
(1)(a) For accounting purposes, each company not classified as competitive must use the Uniform System of Accounts (USOA) for Class A and Class B Telephone Companies published by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and designated as Title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 32 (47 C.F.R. 32, or Part 32). The effective date for Part 32 is stated in WAC 480-120-999 (Adoption by reference). ((Each company not classified as competitive wishing to adopt changes to the USOA made by the FCC after the date specified in WAC 480-120-999, must petition for and receive commission approval. The petition must include the effect of each change for each account and subaccount on an annual basis for the most recent calendar year ending December 31. If the petition is complete and accurate the commission may choose to grant such approval through its consent agenda.))
(b) Class B companies may use Class A accounting, but Class A companies must not use Class B accounting.
(2) The commission modifies Part 32 as follows:
(a) Any reference in Part 32 to "Commission," "Federal Communications Commission," or "Common Carrier Bureau" means the Washington utilities and transportation commission.
(b) Each company not classified as competitive must keep subsidiary records to reflect Washington intrastate differences when the commission imposes accounting or ratemaking treatment different from the accounting methods required in subsection (((2))) (1) of this section. Each company not classified as competitive must maintain subsidiary accounting records for:
(i) Residential basic service revenues;
(ii) Business basic service revenues;
(iii) Access revenues for each universal service rate element;
(iv) Special access revenues; and
(v) Switched access revenues.
(c) ((Part 32 section 24, compensated absences, is supplemented as follows:
(i) Each company not classified as competitive must record a liability and charge the appropriate expense accounts for sick leave in the year in which the employees use the sick leave.
(ii) Each company not classified as competitive must keep records for:
(A) Compensated absences that are actually paid; and
(B) Compensated absences that are deductible for federal income tax purposes.
(d))) Each company not classified as competitive that has multistate operations must keep accounting records that provide Washington results of operations. The methods used to determine Washington results of operations must be acceptable to the commission.
(((e))) (d) Part 32 section 32.11(a) is replaced by WAC 480-120-034 (Classification of local exchange companies as Class A or Class B).
(((f))) (e) Part 32 section 32.11 (d) and (e) are replaced by WAC 480-120-034.
(((g))) (f) Any reference in Part 32 to "Class A" or "Class B" means the classification as set out in WAC 480-120-034.
(3) ((The commission does not require Part 32 section 32.2000 (b)(4). This rule does not supersede any accounting requirements specified in a commission order, nor will it be construed to limit the commission's ability to request additional information on a company specific basis.)) This rule does not dictate intrastate ratemaking.
((Subpart C: Financial Reporting Requirements))
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 06-08-057, filed 3/31/06, effective 5/1/06)
WAC 480-120-382 Annual report for competitively classified telecommunications companies.
The commission will distribute an annual report form including a regulatory fee form. A competitively classified company must:
(1) Complete both forms, file them with the commission, and pay its regulatory fee, no later than May 1 of each year;
(2) Provide total number of access lines as required on the annual report form;
(3) Provide income statement and balance sheet for total company;
(4) Provide revenues for Washington and Washington intrastate operations subject to commission jurisdiction; ((and))
(5) Keep accounts using generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), or any other accounting method acceptable to the commission. In addition, the accounts must allow for the identification of revenues supporting subsection (4) of this section; and
(6) Regulatory fees. The telecommunications annual regulatory fee is set by statute at one-tenth of one percent of the first fifty thousand dollars of gross intrastate operating revenue plus two-tenths of one percent of any gross intrastate operating revenue in excess of fifty thousand dollars.
(a) The maximum regulatory fee is assessed each year, unless the commission issues an order establishing the regulatory fee at an amount less than the statutory maximum.
(b) The minimum regulatory fee that a company must pay is ((twenty)) one hundred fifty dollars.
(c) ((The twenty-dollar minimum regulatory fee is waived for any company with less than twenty thousand dollars in gross intrastate operating revenue.
(d))) The commission does not grant extensions for payment of regulatory fees.
(((e))) (d) If a company does not pay its regulatory fee by May 1, the commission will assess an automatic late fee of two percent of the amount due, plus one percent interest for each month the fee remains unpaid.
(((f))) (e) The commission may take action to revoke a company's registration certificate if it fails to pay its regulatory fee.
WAC 480-120-385 Annual report ((and quarterly results of operations reports)) for telecommunications companies not classified as competitive.
(1) Annual reports for companies not classified as competitive. The commission will distribute an annual report form ((as specified in (c)(i), (ii), and (iii) of this subsection, and)), a regulatory fee form, and financial information templates. A telecommunications company not classified as competitive must:
(a) ((Complete both forms, file them with the commission,)) Return the annual report and regulatory fee forms and pay its regulatory fee, no later than May 1 of each year;
(b) Provide total number of access lines (as required on the annual report form referred to in (a) of this subsection); and
(c) ((Provide)) Complete the financial information templates. The financial information templates include income statement ((and)), balance sheet ((for)), and rate base items. The templates also include sections on total company and results of operations for Washington and Washington intrastate. The commission will provide the templates each year and the company must return the completed templates as follows:
(i) Class A companies ((that the FCC classified as Tier 1 telecommunications companies in Docket No. 86-182 must file annual report forms adopted by the FCC)) must file the required financial information templates no later than May 1st each year.
(ii) ((All other Class A companies must file annual reports on the form prescribed by the commission)) Class B companies must file the required financial information templates no later than July 1st of each year.
(iii) Class B companies ((must file annual reports as prescribed by RCW 80.04.530(2))) are not exempt from these filing requirements.
(2) ((Quarterly reports for companies not classified as competitive:
(a) All Class A companies must file results of operations quarterly.
(b) Each report will show monthly and twelve-months-ended data for each month of the quarter reported.
(c) The reports are due ninety days after the close of the period being reported, except for the fourth-quarter report which is due no later than May 1 of the following year.
(3))) Methods used to determine Washington intrastate results of operations must be acceptable to the commission.
(((4))) (3) This rule does not supersede any reporting requirements specified in a commission rule or order, or limit the commission's authority to request additional information.
(((5))) (4) Regulatory fees. The telecommunications annual regulatory fee is set by statute at one-tenth of one percent of the first fifty thousand dollars of gross intrastate operating revenue plus two-tenths of one percent of any gross intrastate operating revenue in excess of fifty thousand dollars.
WAC 480-120-411 Network maintenance.
(1) Each local exchange company (LEC) must:
(a) Provide adequate maintenance to ensure that all facilities are in safe and serviceable condition;
(b) Correct immediately hazardous conditions endangering persons, property, or the continuity of service when found, reported, or known to exist;
(c) Promptly repair or replace broken, damaged, or deteriorated equipment, when found to be no longer capable of providing adequate service; and
(d) Correct promptly transmission problems on any channel when located or identified, including noise induction, cross-talk, or other poor transmission characteristics.
(2) Each LEC must install and maintain test apparatus at appropriate locations to determine the operating characteristics of network systems and provide sufficient portable power systems to support up to the largest remote subscriber carrier site. For the safe and continuous operation of underground cables, each LEC must establish air pressurization policies and an air pressurization alarm-monitoring program where appropriate.
(3) Central offices equipped with automatic start generators must have three hours' reserve battery capacity. Central offices without automatic start generators must have a minimum of five hours' reserve battery capacity. Central offices without permanently installed emergency power facilities must have access to readily connectable mobile power units with enough power capacity to carry the load and that can be delivered within one half of the expected battery reserve time. The company must retain a reasonable inventory of portable generators to maintain peripheral electronic equipment that is not connected to standby generation, for example, digital loop carrier, servers, etc.
WAC 480-120-439 Service quality performance reports.
(1) ((Class A companies. Each Class A company must report monthly the information required in subsections (3), (4), and (6) through (10) of this section. Each company must report within thirty days after the end of the month in which the activity reported on takes place (e.g., a report concerning missed appointments in December must be reported by January 30).
(2) Class B companies. Class B companies need not report to the commission as required by subsection (1) of this section. However, these)) All companies must retain, for at least three years from the date they are created, all records that would be relevant, in the event of a complaint or investigation, to a determination of the company's compliance with the service quality standards established by WAC 480-120-105 (Company performance standards for installation or activation of access lines), 480-120-112 (Company performance for orders for nonbasic services), 480-120-133 (Response time for calls to business office or repair center during regular business hours), 480-120-401 (Network performance standards), 480-120-411 (Network maintenance), and 480-120-440 (Repair standards for service interruptions and impairments, excluding major outages).
(((3) Missed appointment report. The missed appointment report must state the number of appointments missed, the total number of appointments made, and the number of appointments excluded under (b), (c), or (d) of this subsection. The report must state installation and repair appointments separately.
(a) A LEC is deemed to have kept an appointment when the necessary work in advance of dispatch has been completed and the technician arrives within the appointment period, even if the technician then determines the order cannot be completed until a later date. If the inability to install or repair during a kept appointment leads to establishment of another appointment, it is a new appointment for purposes of determining under this subsection whether it is kept or not.
(b) When a LEC notifies the customer at least twenty-four hours prior to the scheduled appointment that a new appointment is necessary and a new appointment is made, then the appointment that was canceled is not a missed appointment for purposes of this subsection. A company-initiated changed appointment date is not a change to the order date for purposes of determining compliance with WAC 480-120-105 (Company performance standards for installation or activation of access lines) and 480-120-112 (Company performance for orders for nonbasic services).
(c) A LEC does not miss an appointment for purposes of this subsection when the customer initiates a request for a new appointment.
(d) A LEC does not miss an appointment for purposes of this subsection when it is unable to meet its obligations due to force majeure, work stoppages directly affecting provision of service in the state of Washington, or other events beyond the LEC's control.
(4) Installation or activation of basic service report. The report must state the total number of orders taken, by central office, in each month for all orders of up to the initial five access lines as required by WAC 480-120-105 (Company performance standards for installation or activation of access lines). The report must include orders with due dates later than five days as requested by a customer. The installation or activation of basic service report must state, by central office, of the total orders taken for the month, the number of orders that the company was unable to complete within five business days after the order date or by a later date as requested by the customer.
(a) The company must file a separate report each calendar quarter that states the total number of orders taken, by central office, in that quarter for all orders of up to the initial five access lines as required by WAC 480-120-105 (Company performance standards for installation or activation of access lines). The installation or activation of basic service ninety-day report must state, of the total orders taken for the quarter, the number of orders that the company was unable to complete within ninety days after the order date.
(b) The company must file a separate report each six months that states the total number of orders taken, by central office, in the last six months for all orders of up to the initial five access lines as required by WAC 480-120-105 (Company performance standards for installation or activation of access lines). The installation or activation of basic service one hundred eighty day report must state, of the total orders taken for six months, the number of orders that the company was unable to complete within one hundred eighty days.
(c) A company may exclude from the total number of orders taken and the total number of uncompleted orders for the month:
(i) Orders for which customer-provided special equipment is necessary;
(ii) When a later installation or activation is permitted under WAC 480-120-071 (Extension of service);
(iii) When a technician arrives at the customer's premises at the appointed time prepared to install service and the customer is not available to provide access; or
(iv) When the commission has granted an exemption under WAC 480-120-015 (Exemptions from rules in chapter 480-120 WAC), from the requirement for installation or activation of a particular order.
(d) For calculation of the report of orders installed or activated within five business days in a month, a company may exclude from the total number of orders taken and from the total number of uncompleted orders for the month, orders that could not be installed or activated within five days in that month due to force majeure if the company supplies documentation of the effect of force majeure upon the order.
(5))) (2) Major outages report. Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2) of this section, any company experiencing a major outage that lasts more than forty-eight hours must provide a major outage report to the commission within ten business days of the major outage. The major outages report must include a description of each major outage and a statement that includes the time, the cause, the location and number of affected access lines, and the duration of the interruption or impairment. When applicable, the report must include a description of preventive actions to be taken to avoid future outages. This reporting requirement does not include company-initiated major outages that are in accordance with the contract provisions between the company and its customers or other planned interruptions that are part of the normal operational and maintenance requirements of the company.
The commission staff may request oral reports from companies concerning major outages at any time and companies must provide the requested information.
(((6) Summary trouble reports. Each month companies must submit a report reflecting the standard established in WAC 480-120-438 (Trouble report standard). The report must include the number of reports by central office and the number of lines served by the central office. In addition, the report must include an explanation of causes for each central office that exceeds the service quality standard established in WAC 480-120-438. The reports, including repeated reports, must be presented as a ratio per one hundred lines in service. The reports caused by customer-provided equipment, inside wiring, force majeure, or outages of service caused by persons or entities other than the local exchange company should not be included in this report.
(7) Switching report. Any company experiencing switching problems in excess of the standard established in WAC 480-120-401 (2)(a) (Switches—Dial service), must report the problems to the commission. The report must identify the location of every switch that is performing below the standard.
(8) Interoffice, intercompany and interexchange trunk blocking report. Each company that experiences trunk blocking in excess of the standard in WAC 480-120-401 (3) (Interoffice facilities) and (5) (Service to interexchange companies) must report each trunk group that does not meet the performance standards. For each trunk group not meeting the performance standards, the report must include the peak percent blocking level experienced during the preceding month, the number of trunks in the trunk group, the busy hour when peak blockage occurs, and whether the problem concerns a standard in WAC 480-120-401 (3) or (5). The report must include an explanation of steps being taken to relieve blockage on any trunk groups that do not meet the standard for two consecutive months.
(9) Repair report.
(a) For service-interruption repairs subject to the requirements of WAC 480-120-440 (Repair standards for service interruptions and impairments, excluding major outages), each company must report the number of service interruptions reported each month, the number repaired within forty-eight hours, and the number repaired more than forty-eight hours after the initial report. In addition, a company must report the number of interruptions that are exempt from the repair interval standard as provided for in WAC 480-120-440.
(b) For service-impairment repairs subject to the requirements of WAC 480-120-440, each company must report the number of service impairments reported each month, the number repaired within seventy-two hours, and the number repaired more than seventy-two hours after the initial report. In addition, a company must report the number of impairments that are exempt from the repair interval standard as provided for in WAC 480-120-440.
(10) Business office and repair answering system reports. When requested, each company must report compliance with the standard required in WAC 480-120-133 (Response time for calls to business office or repair center during regular business hours). If requested, each company must provide the same reports to the commission that company managers receive concerning average speed of answer, transfers to live representatives, station busies, and unanswered calls.
(11))) (3) The commission may choose to investigate matters to protect the public interest, and may request further information from companies that details geographic area and type of service, and such other information as the commission requests.
(((12))) (4) If consistent with the purposes of this section, the commission may, by order, approve for a company an alternative measurement or reporting format for any of the reports required by this section, based on evidence that:
(a) The company cannot reasonably provide the measurement or reports as required;
(b) The alternative measurement or reporting format will provide a reasonably accurate measurement of the company's performance relative to the substantive performance standard; and
(c) The ability of the commission and other parties to enforce compliance with substantive performance standard will not be significantly impaired by the use of the alternative measurement or reporting format.
(((13))) (5) Subsection (((12))) (4) of this section does not preclude application for an exemption under WAC 480-120-015 (Exemptions from rules in chapter 480-120 WAC).
WAC 480-120-445 Damage reporting requirements.
(1) Facility operators and excavators, as defined in RCW 19.122.020 (10) and (11), who observe or cause damage to an underground facility must report the damage event to the commission using either the commission's web-based damage reporting tool or its successor, or the damage reporting form located on the commission's web site.
(a) Each report must include the subject matter set forth in RCW 19.122.053 (3)(a) through (n).
(b) If the facility operator believes that the excavation was started before a facilities locate was completed, the facility operator must also report the name, address, and phone number of the person or entity that the facility operator has reason to believe may have caused the damage. The facility operator must include this information in the comment section of the web-based damage reporting tool form or send it to the commission separately. If the facility operator chooses to send the information separately, it must include sufficient information to allow the commission to link the name of the party believed to have caused the damage with the damage event reported through the damage reporting tool.
(c) Each facility operator must retain for a period of two years all damage claim records it creates related to damage events, including photographs and documentation supporting any conclusion under (b) of this subsection that a facilities locate was not timely completed, and it must make those records available to the commission upon request.
(2) Each facility operator must provide to an excavator who damages an operator's facility the following information set forth in chapter 19.122 RCW:
(a) Notification requirements for excavators under RCW 19.122.050(1);
(b) A copy of RCW 19.122.053; and
(c) Information concerning the safety committee referenced under RCW 19.122.130, including committee contact information, and the process for filing a complaint with the safety committee.
(3) A facility operator conducting an excavation, or a subcontractor conducting an excavation on the facility operator's behalf, that strikes the facility operator's own underground facility is not required to report that damage event to the commission, pursuant to RCW 19.122.053(2).
WAC 480-120-999 Adoption by reference.
(a) For this publication as referenced in WAC 480-120-359 (Accounting requirements for companies not classified as competitive) and WAC 480-120-349 (Retaining and preserving records and reports), the commission adopts the version of the relevant sections in effect on October 1, ((1998)) 2012.
(b) For this publication as referenced in WAC 480-120-202 (Customer proprietary network information), WAC 480-120-146 (Changing service providers from one local exchange company to another), and any other reference in chapter 480-120 WAC except for WAC 480-120-359 and 480-120-349, the commission adopts the version of the relevant sections in effect on October 1, 2011.
(c) ((The 1998 version of C.F.R. Title 47 is available online in pdf format via GPO Access and the National Archives and Records Administration at www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html.
(d))) The 2011 and 2012 versions of C.F.R. Title 47 ((is)) are available from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore, http://bookstore.gpo.gov/, and from various third-party vendors.
WAC 480-120-105
Company performance standards for installation or activation of access lines.
WAC 480-120-112
Company performance for orders for nonbasic services.
WAC 480-120-124
Guarantee in lieu of deposit.
WAC 480-120-125
Deposit or security—Telecommunications companies.
WAC 480-120-127
Protecting customer prepayments.
WAC 480-120-132
WAC 480-120-148
WAC 480-120-218
Using subscriber list information for purposes other than directory publishing.
WAC 480-120-219
WAC 480-120-252
Intercept services.
WAC 480-120-325
WAC 480-120-331
WAC 480-120-335
WAC 480-120-344
Expenditures for political or legislative activities.
WAC 480-120-355
Competitively classified companies.
WAC 480-120-365
Issuing securities.
WAC 480-120-369
WAC 480-120-375
Affiliated interests—Contracts or arrangements.
WAC 480-120-389
Securities report.
WAC 480-120-395
WAC 480-120-399
Access charge and universal service reporting.
WAC 480-120-440
Repair standards for service interruptions and impairments, excluding major outages.
WAC 480-120-540
Terminating access charges.
WAC 480-120-560
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 02-11-080, filed 5/14/02, effective 6/17/02)
WAC 480-121-040 Granting or denying ((petitions)) applications for registration.
(1) The commission secretary may grant an application for registration without hearing when the application is on a form prescribed by the commission and contains the following:
(b) The name and address of its registered agent, if any;
(c) Name, address, and title of each officer or director;
(d) The most current balance sheet;
(e) The latest annual report, if any; and
(f) A description of the telecommunications services it offers or intends to offer.
(2) The commission may deny an application for registration if, after hearing, the commission finds that the application is not consistent with the public interest or that the applicant:
(a) Failed to provide the information required by RCW 80.36.350;
(b) Failed to provide the performance bond described in RCW 80.36.350 and WAC 480-120-127, if required;
(c) Does not possess adequate financial resources to provide the proposed service; or
(d) Does not possess adequate technical competency to provide the proposed service.
(3) The commission may deny an application for registration submitted by an alternate operator services company if, after hearing, the commission finds that the services or charges offered by the company are not consistent with the public convenience and advantage.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 02-11-081, filed 5/14/02, effective 6/17/02)
WAC 480-121-065 Customer notice requirements—Petition for competitive classification of a service or a company.
(1) When a telecommunications company petitions for competitive classification of a telecommunications service(s), the company must provide notice to each affected customer at least thirty days before the requested effective date.
(2) Each customer notice must include, at a minimum:
(a) The date the notice is issued and the proposed effective date of the competitive classification;
(b) The company name and address;
(c) A clear explanation of the proposal to give customers the basis for understanding the proposal and the potential impact of the change. The company may satisfy this requirement with its own explanation or by using commission-developed language available from the commission's designated public affairs officer;
(d) A description of how customers may contact the company if they have specific questions or need additional information about the proposal; and
(e) Public involvement language. A company may choose from:
(i) Commission-suggested language that is available from the commission's designated public affairs officer; or
(ii) Company-developed language that must include the commission's mailing address, toll-free number, and docket number, if known, and a brief explanation of:
(A) How to participate in the commission's process by mailing or faxing a letter, or submitting an e-mail; and
(B) How to contact the commission for process questions or to be notified of the scheduled open meeting at which the proposal will be considered by the commission.
(3) Methods of notice permitted include a bill insert, bill message, printing on the billing envelope, a separate mailing to all affected customers or, if the company has the capability and the customer has authorized, by e-mail.
(4) Within ten days of making a filing requiring posting, publication, or customer notice, a company must file a declaration with the commission's records center that the required notice has been posted, published, and/or mailed. The declaration must include:
(a) The methods used to post, publish, and/or give notice to customers;
(b) When the notice was first posted, published, and/or issued to customers;
(c) How many customers are affected; and
(d) A copy of the notice.
(5) A company may request assistance from the commission's designated public affairs officer with efforts to comply with this section.
(6) The commission may require notice to customers other than those described in this rule when the commission determines that additional customer education is needed.
WAC 480-121-011
WAC 480-121-015
Exemptions from rules in chapter 480-121 WAC.
WAC 480-121-016
WAC 480-121-017
WAC 480-121-018
Delivery of a filing.
WAC 480-121-026
Rejecting a filing.
WAC 480-122-010
WAC 480-122-020
Washington telephone assistance program rate.
WAC 480-122-050
WAC 480-122-080
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 98-04-028, filed 1/28/98, effective 2/28/98)
WAC 480-123-010 Federal universal service contracts.
For purposes of schools and libraries receiving federal universal service funding under 47 C.F.R., Part 54 of the Federal Communications Commission rules, the following intrastate discounts shall apply:
HOW DISADVANTAGED?
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 14-12-008, filed 5/22/14, effective 6/22/14)
WAC 480-123-020 Definitions.
"Applicant" means any person applying to an ETC for new service or reconnection of discontinued service.
"Communications provider" or "provider" means a company providing communications service that assigns a working telephone number to a final consumer for intrastate wireline or wireless communications services or interconnected voice over internet protocol service, and includes local exchange carriers.
"Communications services" includes telecommunications services and information services and any combination of these services.
"Eligible telecommunications carrier" and "ETC" mean a carrier designated by the commission as eligible to receive support from federal universal service mechanisms in exchange for providing services supported by federal universal service mechanisms.
"Facilities" means for the purpose of WAC 480-123-030 (1)(b) any physical components of the telecommunications network that are used in the transmission or routing of the services that are supported by federal universal service mechanisms.
".shp format" means the format used for creating and storing digital maps composed of shape files capable of being opened by the computer application ArcGIS™.
"Program" means the state universal communications services program created in RCW 80.36.650.
"Service area" means all of the designated exchanges served by a company in the state.
"Service outage" means a significant degradation in the ability of an end user to establish and maintain a channel of voice communications as a result of failure or degradation in the performance of a communications provider's network.
"Substantive" means sufficiently detailed and technically specific to permit the commission to evaluate whether federal universal service support has had, or will have, benefits for customers. For example, information about investments and expenses that will provide, increase, or maintain service quality, signal coverage, or network capacity, and information about the number of customers that benefit, and how they will benefit is sufficient to enable evaluation.
"Telecommunications" has the same meaning as defined in 47 U.S.C. Sec. 153(43).
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 06-14-051, filed 6/28/06, effective 7/29/06)
WAC 480-123-030 Contents of petition for eligible telecommunications carriers.
(1) Petitions for designation as an ETC must contain:
(a) A description of the area or areas for which designation is sought;
(b) A statement that the carrier will offer the services supported by federal universal service support mechanisms throughout the area for which it seeks designation, either using its own facilities or a combination of its own facilities and resale of another carrier's services (including the services offered by another ETC);
(c) A description of how it will provide each supported service;
(d) A substantive plan of the investments to be made with initial federal support during the first two years in which support is received and a substantive description of how those expenditures will benefit customers;
(e) A statement that the carrier will advertise the availability of services supported by federal universal service mechanisms, including advertisement of applicable telephone assistance programs, such as Lifeline, that is reasonably calculated to reach low-income consumers not receiving discounts;
(f) For wireless petitioners, a map in .shp format of proposed service areas (exchanges) with existing and planned locations of cell sites and shading to indicate where the carrier provides and plans to provide commercial mobile radio service signals;
(g) Information that demonstrates its ability to remain functional in emergency situations including a description of how it complies with WAC 480-120-411 or, for a wireless carrier, information that demonstrates ((it has at least four hours of back up battery power at each cell site, back up generators at each microwave hub, and at least five hours back up battery power and back up generators at each switch)) that, when commercial power is not available, it has a reasonable amount of backup power (fixed, portable or other backup power source) for its cell sites, and backup power for its switches is as prescribed in WAC 480-120-411(3) for LEC central offices; and cell sites do not include any small cell facility as defined in RCW 80.36.375 (2)(d) or any in building wireless installation; and
(h) Information that demonstrates that it will comply with the applicable consumer protection and service quality standards of chapter 480-120 WAC or, for a wireless carrier, a commitment to comply with the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association's (CTIA) Consumer Code for Wireless Service. Information regarding the version of the CTIA code adopted and where to obtain it is set forth in WAC 480-123-999.
(2) A company officer must submit the petition in the manner required by RCW 9A.72.085.
WAC 480-123-060 Annual certification of eligible telecommunications carriers.
(1) Each ETC seeking certification of the ETC's use of federal high-cost funds pursuant to 47 C.F.R. ((§§ 54.307, 54.313, or)) § 54.314 must request certification by July ((31)) 1 each year. The ETC must certify that ((it will use federal high-cost universal service fund support)) all federal high-cost support provided to the ETC within Washington state was used in the preceding calendar year and will be used in the coming calendar year only for the provision, maintenance, and upgrading of ((the)) facilities and services for which the support is intended. The certification must be submitted by a company officer in the manner required by RCW 9A.72.085.
(2) The commission will certify an ETC's use of federal high-cost universal service fund support, pursuant to 47 C.F.R. ((§§ 54.307, 54.313, or)) § 54.314 only if the ETC complies with the requirements in WAC 480-123-070, and the ETC demonstrates that it will use federal high-cost funds only for the provision, maintenance, and upgrading of facilities and services for which the support is intended through the requirements of WAC 480-123-080.
WAC 480-123-070 Annual certifications and reports.
Not later than July ((31)) 1 of each year, every ETC that receives federal support from any category in the federal high-cost fund must certify or report as described in this section. The certifications and reports are for activity related to Washington state in the period January 1 through December 31 of the previous year. A company officer must submit the certifications in the manner required by RCW 9A.72.085.
Information already on file with the commission. To the extent a company has already filed any of the information required under this rule the company need not reprovide that same information so long as the company identifies the docket number, documents, and location within those documents in which the company has already provided that information.
(1) Report on use of federal funds and benefits to customers.
(a) ((For an ETC that receives support based only on factors other than the ETC's investment and expenses,)) The report must provide a substantive description of investments made and expenses paid with support from the federal high-cost fund.
((For ETCs that receive any support based on the ETC's investment and expenses, the report must provide a substantive description of investment and expenses, such as the NECA-1 report, the ETC will report as the basis for support from the federal high-cost fund.)) The report must include the company's gross capital expenditures and maintenance expense in the preceding calendar year along with a description of major projects and affected exchanges. A rate of return wireline ETC must also include a copy of its NECA-1 report for the preceding calendar year.
(b) Every ETC must provide a substantive description of the benefits to consumers that resulted from the investments and expenses reported pursuant to (a) of this subsection.
(2) Local service outage report. ((ETCs not subject to WAC 480-120-412 and 480-120-439(5) are required to report local service outages pursuant to this subsection.))
(a) The report must include detailed information on ((every local service outage thirty minutes or longer in duration experienced by the ETC. The report)) any outage in the service area (during the prior calendar year) of at least thirty minutes in duration in which the ETC owns, operates, leases, or otherwise utilizes facilities, that potentially affect:
(i) At least ten percent of the end users; or
(ii) A 911 special facility, as defined in 47 C.F.R. Sec. 4.5(e).
(b) Specifically, the eligible telecommunications carrier's annual report must include information detailing:
(((a))) (i) The date and time of onset and duration of the outage;
(((b))) (ii) A brief description of the outage and its resolution;
(((c))) (iii) The particular services affected((, including whether a public safety answering point (PSAP) was affected));
(((d))) (iv) The geographic areas affected by the outage;
(((e))) (v) Steps taken to prevent a similar situation in the future; and
(((f))) (vi) The ((estimated)) number of customers affected.
(3) Report on failure to provide service. ((ETCs not subject to WAC 480-120-439 are required to report failures to provide service pursuant to this subsection.)) The report must include ((detailed information on)) the number of requests for service from ((applicants)) potential customers within its designated service area((s)) that were unfulfilled ((for)) during the ((reporting period)) prior calendar year. The ETC must also ((describe in)) detail how it attempted to provide service to those ((applicants)) potential customers.
(4) Report on complaints per one thousand ((handsets or lines)) connections (fixed or mobile). The report must provide separate totals for the number of complaints that the ETC's customers made to the Federal Communications Commission((, or)) and the consumer protection division of the office of the attorney general of Washington. ((The report must also generally describe the nature of the complaints and outcome of the carrier's efforts to resolve the complaints.)) The ETC must also report the number of consumer complaints in each general category (for example, billing disputes, service quality).
(5) Certification of compliance with applicable service quality standards and consumer protection rules. Certify that it met substantially the applicable service quality standards and consumer protection rules found in WAC 480-123-030 (1)(h).
(6) Certification of ability to function in emergency situations. Certify that it had the ability to function in emergency situations based on continued adherence to the standards found in WAC 480-123-030 (1)(g).
(7) Advertising certification, including advertisement on Indian reservations. Certify it has publicized the availability of its applicable telephone assistance programs, such as Lifeline, in a manner reasonably designed to reach those likely to qualify for service, including residents of federally recognized Indian reservations within the ETC's designated service area. Such publicity should include advertisements likely to reach those who are not current customers of the ETC within its designated service area.
WAC 480-123-080 Annual plan for universal service support expenditures.
(1) Not later than July ((31)) 1 of each year, every ETC that receives federal support from any category in the federal high-cost fund must report ((on:
(a))) the planned use of federal support related to Washington state that will be received during the ((period October 1 of the current year through the following September; or
(b) The planned investment and expenses related to Washington state which the ETC expects to use as the basis to request federal support from any category in the federal high-cost fund)) coming calendar year. The report must include the company's budgeted gross capital expenditures and maintenance expense for the coming calendar year along with a description of major projects and affected exchanges.
(2) The report must include a substantive plan of the investments and expenditures to be made with federal support and a substantive description of how those investments and expenditures will benefit customers.
(3) As part of the ((filing required by this section to be submitted in 2007)) initial ETC petition for federal high-cost support, and at least once every three years thereafter, a wireless ETC must submit a map in .shp format that shows the general location where it provides commercial mobile radio service signals.
WAC 480-123-999 Adoption by reference.
(2) The commission adopts the version in effect on January 1, ((2012)) 2014.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 99-23-065, filed 11/15/99, effective 12/16/99)
WAC 480-140-010 Definitions.
Commission means Washington utilities and transportation commission.
Net utility plant in service means plant in service less accumulated depreciation and amortization.
Public service company means every gas company, electrical company, ((telecommunications company,)) and water company subject to regulation under the provisions of Title 80 RCW as to rates and service by the commission.
WAC 480-140-040 What to file.
Budgets, in a format selected by the reporting company, must show amounts needed for construction, operation and maintenance during the ensuing year. The reporting company must provide the information by industry (water, gas, and electrical((, and telecommunications))) to the extent such information has been prepared. All major construction projects must be identified in the budget. Major construction projects will be determined ((as described below:
(1))) for water, gas, and electrical companies, ((major projects include)) as all projects where the Washington-allocated share of the total project is greater than five-tenths of one percent of the company's latest year-end Washington-allocated net utility plant in service, but does not include any project of less than three million dollars on a total project basis. This determination for companies providing combined industry services will be done on an industry-specific basis.
(((2) For telecommunications companies, major projects include all construction projects where the intrastate Washington jurisdictional share is greater than one million dollars.))
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 99-08-055, filed 4/1/99, effective 5/2/99)
WAC 480-143-100 Application of rules.
The rules in this chapter apply to any public service company that meets the requirements for commission regulation or jurisdiction under RCW 80.04.010. The rules do not apply to a local exchange company that serves less than two percent of the access lines in the state of Washington. Other local exchange companies should also refer to commission orders specifying the appropriate treatment of transfers of property.
The commission may waive or modify the application of any rule to a public service company upon written request or upon the commission's own motion, except when such provisions are fixed by statute. The waiver or modification must be approved by the commission in writing. Violations of these rules will be subject to the penalty provisions of chapter 80.04 RCW.