reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 290 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT AND COLLECTION, AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS PROVIDING BASIC TELEPHONE SERVICE › Section 407-290-17 - OPTIONAL SERVICE PROVIDERS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Marketing
				of optional services
. An ETC that also provides optional services shall
				inform potential customers:
1.
Services
				not necessary for basic service
. That such services are optional and not
				necessary to receive basic service; and
2.
Costs
. Of all costs
				associated with the optional service, including equipment or usage charges,
				installation costs and any contract terms requiring that a customer retain the
				service or pay for the service for a specific period of time.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 290 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT AND COLLECTION, AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS PROVIDING BASIC TELEPHONE SERVICE › Section 407-290-18 - DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURES

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Toll-free
				line
. An ETC shall have a toll-free number for customers to call to
				resolve billing and service disputes.
B.
Employees available
. An ETC
				shall have an adequate number of properly trained employees available during
				business hours to respond to questions from applicants and customers, resolve
				disputes, and address requests for service. Customers calling the toll-free
				number discussed in subsection A above must be provided the opportunity to talk
				to a live customer representative without spending an unreasonable amount of
				time on hold and without being forced to navigate through an unreasonable
				number of menu levels in an automated phone answer system.
C.
Basic service disconnection
				limited
. An ETC may not threaten disconnection or disconnect the basic
				service of a customer if the customer has informed the ETC that the customer
				disputes liability for the basic services portion of the bill, an ETC's deposit
				request, or the terms of a payment arrangement required by an ETC to avoid
				disconnection, until the dispute is resolved pursuant to subsection D below.
				When a customer disputes only a portion of the basic service bill, the ETC may
				require payment of that portion not in dispute to prevent
				disconnection.
D.
Dispute
				resolution process
. When an ETC becomes aware of a dispute by an
				applicant or customer, whether or not disconnection is pending, the ETC shall:
1.
Investigate dispute
.
				Investigate the dispute, preserving a record of the substance and results of
				the investigation;
2.
Report
				results
. Report the results of its investigation to the applicant or
				customer based on the record; and
3.
Attempt to resolve dispute
.
				Attempt in good faith to resolve the dispute.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 290 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT AND COLLECTION, AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS PROVIDING BASIC TELEPHONE SERVICE › Section 407-290-19 - RECORDS; REPORTS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Record
				maintenance
. An ETC shall preserve records of disputes for ten years and
				keep those records readily available for examination by the Commission and its
				staff. Dispute records must include:
1.
Name and address
. The name and address of the applicant or
				customer with the dispute;
2.
Date and subject matter
. The date and subject matter of the
				dispute;
3.
Record of
				investigation
. The record of the investigation required by section
				18(D)
				above;
4.
Communications
. A summary of all communications to or from the
				customer regarding the dispute;
5.
Offer
. The adjustment or resolution offered by the ETC to the
				customer; and
6.
Final
				resolution
. The final adjustment or resolution of the
				dispute.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 291 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR NON-ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS › Section 407-291-1 - PURPOSES

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The purposes of this Chapter are to:
A.
Inform consumers
. Ensure that
				customers and applicants are provided adequate and timely information about
				telecommunications services offered by non-eligible telecommunications carriers
				(non-ETCs) as defined in section
				2(S) of this
				Chapter.
B.
Prevent
				discrimination; ensure reasonable access to service
. Ensure that all
				customers and applicants for non-ETC services are treated in a
				nondiscriminatory manner and are not unreasonably denied or disconnected from
				telecommunications service.
C.
Establish minimum consumer protection standards
. Establish minimum
				consumer protection standards that non-ETC's must meet. A non-ETC may provide
				greater levels of consumer protection than those established in this
				Chapter.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 291 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR NON-ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS › Section 407-291-3 - JURISDICTION

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
This Chapter applies to all basic service providers that are
				  not designated by the Commission as an eligible telecommunications carrier for
				  purposes of section 254 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 291 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR NON-ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS › Section 407-291-4 - EMERGENCY MORATORIUM

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
When the Commission or the Director of the Consumer
				  Assistance Division determines that, due to an emergency, termination of
				  telecommunications service by one or more non-ETCs would present a clear danger
				  to the health or safety of customers, the Commission or the Consumer Assistance
				  Division Director may declare a partial or complete moratorium on the
				  termination or disconnection of telecommunications service by any or all
				  non-ETCs.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 291 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR NON-ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS › Section 407-291-5 - NON-DISCRIMINATION

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A non-ETC shall provide service and apply credit and
				  collections policies to applicants and customers without discrimination on the
				  basis of race, color, ancestry, sex, age, national origin, religion, marital
				  status, receipt of public assistance or the exercise of rights under state or
				  federal consumer protection laws.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 291 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR NON-ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS › Section 407-291-6 - UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE PRACTICES

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Deceptive
				names prohibited
. A non-ETC may not use a company name that is deceptive
				or unreasonably confusing to consumers.
B.
Application of Maine Unfair Trade
				Practices Act
. A non-ETC shall not engage in conduct prohibited by the
				Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act,
				 5 M.R.S.A.
				§§205-A -
				214 and
				related consumer protection statutes.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 291 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR NON-ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS › Section 407-291-7 - CUSTOMER PRIVACY

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A non-ETC shall comply with the Federal Communication
				  Commission's Customer Proprietary Network Information Rules, 47 CFR
				  §§64.2001-2 009.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 291 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR NON-ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS › Section 407-291-8 - APPLICATION FOR SERVICE

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Before accepting any application for basic service, a non-ETC
				  shall inform the applicant:
A.
Disconnection for any reason
. That it may disconnect a residential
				customer for any reason with 14-days notice and may disconnect a nonresidential
				customer for any reason with 7-days notice. If the non-ETC charges a
				termination fee, it must disclose the existence and amount of the
				fee;
B.
Local calling
				area
. Of the geographic area that will be included within the
				applicant's local calling area;
C.
Pre-subscribed toll service and access to toll providers
. Whether
				pre-subscribed toll service will be available and of any limitation regarding
				access to toll providers;
D.
Billing information
. Of the billing period for basic service and
				any requirement for advance billing; and
E.
Lowest rate service plan
. Of
				the lowest rate basic service plan available to that applicant or customer if
				requested.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 291 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR NON-ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS › Section 407-291-9 - CONFIRMATION OF ORDER WITH WRITTEN TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A non-ETC shall provide customers with written confirmation
				  of orders generated by outbound sales calls. The written confirmation must
				  include the specific terms and conditions for each service ordered by the
				  customer and must be provided no later than the time the customer receives the
				  first bill for service. The written confirmation may be included with the first
				  bill for services. Orders for services generated by inbound calls from
				  customers do not require written confirmation.
A.
Services and fees
.
1.
Price, fees and terms and
				conditions
. The written confirmation shall disclose each service or
				package of services ordered by the customer with its separate price, late fees,
				fees for installation, disconnection, termination or cancellation, registration
				fees, and any other terms and conditions to which the customer is required to
				adhere.
2.
Disputes
.
				The written confirmation shall include instructions on how to dispute charges
				with the non-ETC.
3.
Price of
				service
. The written confirmation shall include all relevant information
				necessary for the customer to calculate the full price of service.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 291 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR NON-ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS › Section 407-291-10 - NOTIFICATION OF PRICE INCREASES AND CHANGES IN TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Twenty-five day notice
				required
. A non-ETC must provide each of its customers at least 25 days
				written notice of any price increase or any change in the terms and conditions
				for any service provided by the non-ETC before the increase or change may take
				effect. A customer may terminate the service without penalty at any time before
				the increase or change takes effect.
B.
Adequate written notice
.
				Written notice to customers of a rate increase or change in terms and
				conditions that will result in a rate increase provided in accordance with this
				section shall:
1.
Form
. Be in the
				form of a letter, a message on the bill, or a bill insert that contains only
				the notification language required by this section;
2.
Readable and clear
. Be
				printed with a readable type of sufficient size to be clearly legible and must
				contain clear and unambiguous language;
3.
Not included with promotional
				material
. Be sent or provided independently of any advertising or
				promotional material of any kind;
4.
Content of notice
. Notify the
				customer of the amount of the increase and the date the increase will take
				effect; and
5.
Right to
				cancel
. Notify the customer of the customer's right to cancel the
				service for which the rate increase or change in terms and conditions that will
				result in a rate increase applies prior to the increase or change taking
				effect.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 291 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR NON-ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS › Section 407-291-11 - BILLING AND PAYMENT STANDARDS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Bill
				content
. Each bill issued by a non-ETC shall:
1.
Identification of non-ETC
.
				Include a clear and conspicuous identification of the certificated non-ETC
				providing the customer's basic service. If the non-ETC has more than one name,
				the name appearing on the bill must be the name used to market the
				service;
2.
Date
.
				Identify the date that the bill is issued;
3.
Balance
. Identify the balance
				in each billed account at the beginning of the current billing cycle, using a
				term such as "previous balance;"
4.
Charges debited for current billing cycle
. Identify the amount of
				the charges debited to each billed account during the current billing cycle,
				using a term such as "current service;"
5.
Payments made
. Identify the
				amount of payments made to each billed account from the previous billing cycle,
				using a term such as "payments."
6.
Charges debited for past charges
. Identify the amount of the
				charges debited to each billed account during the current billing cycle for
				untimely payment of past charges, using a term such as "late charge;"
7.
Closing dates and balance
.
				Include the closing dates of the current billing cycle and the outstanding
				balance in each billed account on that date, specifying the "current amount
				due" and the "past due;"
8.
Class of service
. Identify the applicable class of service as
				stated in the non-ETC's rate schedule;
9.
Due date
. Include the
				statement, or payment, due date;
10.
Receipt deadline
. Include
				the date by which payment of the new balance must be received to avoid
				assessment of a late charge;
11.
Interest rate
. Identify the effective monthly interest rate that
				will be imposed if the bill is not paid by the due date;
12.
Contact information
. Clearly
				and conspicuously disclose any information that the subscriber may need to make
				inquiries about, or contest, charges on the bill; and
13.
Toll-free number
. Include
				the toll-free phone number(s) for customer service representatives of the
				non-ETC and any other service providerto which charges are due, and to which
				customer questions or disputes concerning bills or services should be
				directed.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 291 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR NON-ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS › Section 407-291-12 - DISCONNECTION WITHOUT CAUSE

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Disconnection
. A non-ETC may disconnect a customer's basic service for
				any reason not in violation of sections
				4,
				5, and
				13 upon 14 days prior notice to
				residential customers and 7 days prior notice to nonresidential
				customers.
B.
Content of
				disconnection notice
. Each notice shall be in writing and conspicuously:
1.
Disconnection date
. Identify
				the disconnection date;
2.
Curability of disconnection
. Indicate whether the disconnection
				may be cured and if so, how;
3.
Medical emergency
. Include a statement of a residential customer's
				right to postpone disconnection of basic service for a medical emergency and a
				description of how to declare a medical emergency under section
				13 below; and
4.
Right to apply for service; contact
				information
. Include a statement of a customer's right to apply for
				service from an ETC and direct the customer to the current address and phone
				number of the Consumer Assistance Division of the Public Utilities Commission,
				as well the Commission's website, for a list of ETCs.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 291 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR NON-ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS › Section 407-291-13 - MEDICAL EMERGENCY

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Service
				required during a medical emergency
. A non-ETC may not disconnect basic
				service to a residential customer when the customer or an occupant of the
				customer's residence is certified by a physician to have a medical condition
				such that a lack of basic service would posea serious risk of harm to that
				individual. In situations where the household has multiple telephone lines,
				basic service may be disconnected pursuant to section
				12 of this rule, provided that basic
				service continues in at least one telephone line.
B.
Disconnection postponed pending
				certification
. If the customer or member of the household notifies the
				non-ETC that a medical emergency exists and that certification will be
				obtained, the non-ETC may not disconnect basic service for at least 3 business
				days. If the certification is not provided within the 3-day period, the non-ETC
				may subsequently disconnect the customer's service or it may transfer the
				customer to an ETC in accordance with this section.
C.
Certification procedure
. A
				physician's certification of a medical emergency may be oral or written. For
				purposes of this section, a "physician" is any person licensed by Maine Board
				of Licensure in Medicine, his or her agent, or any Maine-licensed mental health
				counselor. The non-ETC may require written confirmation within 7 days of an
				oral certification.
D.
Non-ETC may transfer customer to ETC
. If a physician has certified
				that a medical emergency exists, a non-ETC may transfer the customer's basic
				service to an ETC. The non-ETC shall waive any charges associated with the
				transfer and shall pay the ETC its non-recurring service installation costs for
				the transferred customer. The non-ETC shall also notify the customer when the
				transfer is complete.
E.
Length of service; renewals
. A non-ETC may not disconnect the
				customer for the time period specified in the certification or 60 days,
				whichever is less. A certification may be renewed for additional periods of up
				to 60 days each as long as the medical emergency continues.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 291 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR NON-ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS › Section 407-291-14 - DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURES

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Toll-free
				line
. A non-ETC shall have a toll-free number for customers to call to
				resolve billing or service disputes.
B.
Employees available
. A
				non-ETC shall have an adequate number of properly trained employees available
				during business hours to respond to questions from applicants and customers,
				resolve disputes, and address requests for service. Customers calling the
				toll-free number discussed in subsection A above must be provided the
				opportunity to talk to a live customer representative without spending an
				unreasonable amount of time on hold and without being forced to navigate
				through an unreasonable number of menu levels in an automated phone answer
				system.
C.
Dispute resolution
				process
. When a non-ETC becomes aware of a dispute by an applicant or
				customer, whether or not disconnection is pending, the non-ETC shall:
1.
Investigate dispute
.
				Investigate the dispute, preserving a record of the substance and results of
				the investigation;
2.
Report
				results
. Report the results of its investigation to the applicant or
				customer based on the record; and
3.
Attempt to resolve dispute
.
				Attempt in good faith to resolve the dispute.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 292 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR INTEREXCHANGE CARRIERS › Section 407-292-1 - PURPOSES

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The purposes of this Chapter are to:
A.
Inform consumers
. Ensure that
				customers and applicants are provided adequate and timely information about
				toll service and optional calling plans.
B.
Prevent discrimination; ensure
				reasonable access to service
. Ensure that all customers and applicants
				for telecommunication services are treated in a nondiscriminatory manner and
				are not unreasonably denied or disconnected from telecommunications
				service.
C.
Establish minimum
				consumer protection standards
. Establish minimum consumer protection
				standards that all IXCs must meet. An IXC may provide greater levels of
				consumer protection than those established in this Chapter.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 292 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR INTEREXCHANGE CARRIERS › Section 407-292-3 - JURISDICTION

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
This Chapter applies to all telecommunications utilities
				  subject to the jurisdiction and supervision of the Commission who offer
				  interexchange service.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 292 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR INTEREXCHANGE CARRIERS › Section 407-292-4 - EMERGENCY MORATORIUM

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
When the Commission or the Director of the Consumer
				  Assistance Division determines that, due to an emergency, termination of
				  telecommunications service by one or more IXCs would present a clear danger to
				  the health or safety of customers, the Commission or the Consumer Assistance
				  Division Director may declare a partial or complete moratorium on the
				  termination or disconnection of telecommunications service by any or all
				  IXCs.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 292 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR INTEREXCHANGE CARRIERS › Section 407-292-5 - NON-DISCRIMINATION

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
An IXC shall provide service and apply credit and collections
				  policies to applicants and customers without discrimination on the basis of
				  race, color, ancestry, sex, age, national origin, religion, marital status,
				  receipt of public assistance or the exercise of rights under state or federal
				  consumer protection laws.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 292 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR INTEREXCHANGE CARRIERS › Section 407-292-6 - UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE PRACTICES

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Deceptive
				names prohibited
. An IXC may not use a company name that is deceptive or
				unreasonably confusing to consumers.
B.
Application of Maine Unfair Trade
				Practices Act
. An IXC shall not engage in conduct prohibited by the
				Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act,
				 5 M.R.S.A.
				§§205-A -
				214 and
				related consumer protection statutes.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 292 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR INTEREXCHANGE CARRIERS › Section 407-292-7 - CUSTOMER PRIVACY

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
An IXC shall comply with the Federal Communication
				  Commission's Customer Proprietary Network Information Rules, 47 CFR
				  §§64.2001-2 009.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 292 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR INTEREXCHANGE CARRIERS › Section 407-292-8 - CONFIRMATION OF ORDER WITH WRITTEN TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
An IXC shall provide customers with written confirmation of
				  orders generated by outbound sales calls. The written confirmation must include
				  the specific terms and conditions for each service ordered by the customer and
				  must be provided no later than the time the customer receives the first bill
				  for service. The written confirmation may be included with the first bill for
				  service. Orders for services generated by inbound calls from customers do not
				  require written confirmation.
A.
Services and fees
.
1.
Price, fees and terms and conditions
. The written confirmation
				shall disclose each service or package of services ordered by the customer with
				its separate price, late fees, fees for installation, disconnection,
				termination or cancellation, registration fees, and any other terms and
				conditions to which the customer is required to adhere.
2.
Disputes
. The written
				confirmation shall include instructions on how to dispute charges with the
				IXC.
3.
Price of
				service
. The written confirmation shall include all relevant information
				necessary for the customer to calculate the full price of service.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 292 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR INTEREXCHANGE CARRIERS › Section 407-292-9 - NOTIFICATION OF PRICE INCREASES AND CHANGES IN TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Twenty-five day notice
				required
. An IXC shall provide each of its customers at least 25 days
				written notice of any price increase or any change in the terms and conditions
				for any service provided by the IXC before the increase or change may take
				effect. A customer may terminate the service without penalty at any time before
				the increase or change takes effect.
B.
Adequate written notice
.
				Written notice to customers of a rate increase or change in terms and
				conditions that will result in a rate increase provided in accordance with this
				section shall:
1.
Form
. Be in the
				form of a letter, a message on the bill, or a bill insert that contains only
				the notification language required by this section;
2.
Readable and clear
. Be
				printed with a readable type of sufficient size to be clearly legible and must
				contain clear and unambiguous language;
3.
Not included with promotional
				material
. Be sent or provided independently of any advertising or
				promotional material of any kind;
4.
Content of notice
. Notify the
				customer of the amount of the increase and the date the increase will take
				effect; and
5.
Right to
				cancel
. Notify the customer of the customer's right to cancel the
				service for which the rate increase or change in terms and conditions that will
				result in a rate increase applies prior to the increase or change taking
				effect.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 292 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR INTEREXCHANGE CARRIERS › Section 407-292-10 - BILLING AND PAYMENT STANDARDS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Bill
				content
. Each bill issued by an IXC shall:
1.
Identification of IXC
.
				Include a clear and conspicuous identification of the certificated IXC
				providing the customer's basic service. If the IXC has more than one name, the
				name appearing on the bill must be the name used to market the
				service;
2.
Date
.
				Identify the date that the bill is issued;
3.
Balance
. Identify the balance
				in each billed account at the beginning of the current billing cycle, using a
				term such as "previous balance;"
4.
Charges debited for current billing cycle
. Identify the amount of
				the charges debited to each billed account during the current billing cycle,
				using a term such as "current service;"
5.
Payments made
. Identify the
				amount of payments made to each billed account from the previous billing cycle,
				using a term such as "payments;"
6.
Charges debited for past charges
. Identify the amount of the
				charges debited to each billed account during the current billing cycle for
				untimely payment of past charges, using a term such as "late charge;"
7.
Closing dates and balance
.
				Include the closing dates of the current billing cycle and the outstanding
				balance in each billed account on that date, specifying the "current amount
				due" and the "past due;"
8.
Due date
. Include the statement, or payment, due date;
9.
Receipt deadline
. Include the
				date by which payment of the new balance must be received to avoid assessment
				of a late charge;
10.
Itemized statement of charges
. Include an itemized statement of
				charges listing the date, time, destination, duration and rate period for each
				call. The itemization must include late payment interest charges, taxes, and
				separate surcharges provided by the IXC. This itemization is not required for
				bulk rate toll services;
11.
Interest rate
. Identify the effective monthly interest rate that
				will be imposed if the bill is not paid by the due date;
12.
Contact information
. Clearly
				and conspicuously disclose any information that the subscriber may need to make
				inquiries about, or contest, charges on the bill; and
13.
Toll-free number
. Include
				the toll-free phone number(s) for customer service representatives of the IXC
				and any other service providerto which charges are due, and to which customer
				questions or disputes concerning bills or services should be
				directed.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 292 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR INTEREXCHANGE CARRIERS › Section 407-292-11 - SERVICE OPTION DISCLOSURE

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Upon the request of an applicant or customer, an IXC that
				  offers more than one service plan shall identify and describe the lowest rate
				  service plan available to that applicant or customer. Upon request, the
				  applicant or customer must provide information reasonably requested by the
				  IXC's representative concerning the customer's customary, recent or expected
				  usage. Based upon familiarity with the IXC's service plans and exercising
				  reasonable care in analyzing the applicant's or customer's usage history, the
				  IXC's representative shall seek to identify and describe the service plan that
				  is most likely to produce the lowest bill for the applicant or customer.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 292 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR INTEREXCHANGE CARRIERS › Section 407-292-12 - MARKETING EFFORTS

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Direct
				marketing efforts
. An IXC that conducts direct marketing efforts aimed
				at specific customers or groups of customers shall have the facilities and be
				willing to provide the service marketed to all customers who are the subject of
				the direct marketing effort and who wish to subscribe to the service.
B.
Mass marketing efforts
. An
				IXC that conducts mass marketing efforts for services that are not offered to
				all customers exposed to the mass marketing shall disclose the fact that the
				service may not be available in certain areas.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 292 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR INTEREXCHANGE CARRIERS › Section 407-292-13 - SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION PROCEDURES

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Recorded message.
IXCs that suspend or terminate a customer's
				presubscribed toll service must include a recorded message on the suspended or
				disconnected line that informs the customer that the service has been suspended
				or terminated, provides a toll-free number to reach the IXC, and informs the
				customer of the ability to complete toll calls using another carrier's
				dial-around service or a prepaid calling card. The message must remain on the
				line for as long as the suspension lasts or until 30 days have passed following
				the disconnection, whichever comes first.
B.
Disconnection from the IXC's
				network
. When an IXC disconnects a customer's toll service, either at
				the customer's request or involuntarily in accordance with this section, the
				carrier shall block the customer's access to place toll calls using the
				carrier's toll service with the carrier. This requirement shall apply only to
				blocking of the customer's ability to dial calls through presubscription and
				does not include dial-around access to the IXC's network.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 292 - STANDARDS FOR BILLING, CREDIT, AND COLLECTION AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION FOR INTEREXCHANGE CARRIERS › Section 407-292-14 - DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURES

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Toll-free
				line
. An IXC shall have a toll-free number for customers to call to
				resolve billing and service disputes.
B.
Employees available
. An IXC
				shall have an adequate number of properly trained employees available during
				business hours to respond to questions from applicants and customers, resolve
				disputes, and address requests for service. Customers calling the toll-free
				number discussed in subsection A above must be provided the opportunity to talk
				to a live customer representative without spending an unreasonable amount of
				time on hold and without being forced to navigate through an unreasonable
				number of menu levels in an automated phone answer system.
C.
Dispute resolution process
.
				When an IXC becomes aware of a dispute by an applicant or customer, whether or
				not disconnection is pending, the IXC shall:
1.
Investigate dispute
.
				Investigate the dispute, preserving a record of the substance and results of
				the investigation;
2.
Report
				results
. Report the results of its investigation to the applicant or
				customer based on the record; and
3.
Attempt to resolve dispute
.
				Attempt in good faith to resolve the dispute.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 293 - ABANDONMENT OF SERVICE AND AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE SERVICES AND TRANSFER OF CUSTOMERS BY COMPETITIVE TELECOMMUNCATIONS CARRIERS › Section 407-293-1 - PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The purpose of this Chapter is to provide a simple, efficient
				  and nearly automatic method for competitive telecommunications carriers to
				  abandon service and to terminate their authority to provide service, and to
				  govern transfers of customers from one carrier to another. This Chapter does
				  not govern the discontinuance of a service offering.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 293 - ABANDONMENT OF SERVICE AND AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE SERVICES AND TRANSFER OF CUSTOMERS BY COMPETITIVE TELECOMMUNCATIONS CARRIERS › Section 407-293-3 - NOTICE AND APPLICATION FOR ABANDONMENT OF SERVICE, FOR TRANSFER OF CUSTOMERS AND AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE SERVICE

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Docketing
. The Administrative Director shall docket all letters,
				notices or applications from competitive telecommunications carriers that may
				reasonably be considered a notice of intent to abandon service or to relinquish
				authority to provide service, under the provisions of Sections
				4 through
				9, as applicable, or to transfer or
				acquire customers pursuant to Section
				12. If an acquiring carrier does not
				have authority to provide service to a group of customers the carrier proposes
				to acquire, the Administrative Director shall docket any application or request
				to obtain that authority as a separate proceeding.
B.
Required information
. All
				notices or applications required by this Chapter shall state the name (and
				former names and assumed trade names, if any) of the competitive
				telecommunications carrier that is abandoning or discontinuing service, the
				name (and former names and assumed trade names, if any) of any acquiring
				carrier, the nature of the authority that each carrier obtained from the
				Commission (local or interexchange) and the docket number(s) of the order(s)
				for each grant of authority.
C.
Accompanying Filings
. With all notices or applications required by
				this Chapter, a competitive telecommunications carrier proposing to abandon
				service shall file copies of any notices to its customers that are required by
				this Chapter or by 47 C.F.R. §1120(e)(3) and any proposed changes to its
				rate schedules that are required by this Chapter. If the competitive
				telecommunications carrier does not file either of these items, the
				Administrative Director shall notify the carrier of the requirement and the
				carrier shall provide the Commission with copies of the missing materials
				within 14 days.
D.
Additional Information
. If
				necessary, the Administrative Director may request additional information from
				the competitive telecommunications carrier. The Administrative Director may
				make such inquiry to determine whether the carrier is proposing to abandon
				service, whether the carrier has any customers in Maine, whether the carrier
				previously had customers and how those customers were terminated, whether
				notice to customers has been provided or will be required, which category of
				abandonment applies as defined in Sections 4 through
				9 below, or any other matter the
				Administrative Director finds is necessary.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 293 - ABANDONMENT OF SERVICE AND AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE SERVICES AND TRANSFER OF CUSTOMERS BY COMPETITIVE TELECOMMUNCATIONS CARRIERS › Section 407-293-10 - TEMPORARY E911 SERVICE BY ABANDONING CLEC IF CUSTOMER FAILS TO SELECT A NEW CARRIER

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
If a CLEC is abandoning all local exchange service or local
				  exchange service to a specific customer class (as described in Sections
				  7,
				  8 and
				  9 ), and there is no acquiring local
				  exchange carrier (as described in Section
				  12 ), the abandoning CLEC shall
				  provide E-911 access (access to emergency services through the enhanced 911
				  system) to any customer who does not select another local exchange carrier
				  prior to the effective date of the abandonment if it is technically possible to
				  provide the service itself or the abandoning CLEC may obtain such service from
				  its underlying or any other carrier. When E-911 access is provided, it shall
				  continue for a period of 21 days after the termination of the remainder of
				  local exchange service.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 293 - ABANDONMENT OF SERVICE AND AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE SERVICES AND TRANSFER OF CUSTOMERS BY COMPETITIVE TELECOMMUNCATIONS CARRIERS › Section 407-293-11 - NOTICE TO COMMISSION AND TO RETAIL CUSTOMERS WHEN UNDERLYING CARRIER DISCONTINUES SERVICE TO CLEC

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Notice to
				Commission When Underlying Carrier Notifies CLEC of Discontinuance of
				Service
. If a local exchange carrier providing wholesale local exchange
				service or unbundled network elements (UNEs, including UNE-platform) to a CLEC
				provides notice to the CLEC that it will be terminating the wholesale service
				or provision of UNEs (whether for nonpayment or otherwise), it shall
				simultaneously provide notice of the potential termination to the Commission.
				The local exchange carrier providing notice of termination shall provide the
				notice at least 28 days (4 weeks) prior to the stated termination date unless a
				longer period is specified in the interconnection agreement between the two
				carriers.
B.
Notice By CLEC
				to Customers of Discontinuance of Service or Likelihood of Inability to Provide
				Service
1.
General
				Requirement
. Within 14 days following receipt of a notice provided to a
				CLEC pursuant to Section
				11(A), the CLEC must
				provide notice to its retail customers of actual or likely termination 14 days
				following the sending of the notice. The notice must comply with all
				requirements of Section
				7(B) (other than the
				time period stated in that provision) and Section
				13, and shall state the more accurate
				of the following two statements:
a. the CLEC
				will terminate retail local exchange service to the customer 14 days after the
				sending of the notice and the customer should make arrangements for service
				from another local exchange carrier; or
b. there is a strong likelihood that the CLEC
				will not be able to provide local exchange service 14 days after the sending of
				the notice and the customer may want to make arrangements for service by
				another carrier.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 293 - ABANDONMENT OF SERVICE AND AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE SERVICES AND TRANSFER OF CUSTOMERS BY COMPETITIVE TELECOMMUNCATIONS CARRIERS › Section 407-293-12 - TRANSFER OF CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS TO A DIFFERENT CARRIER, WITH OR WITHOUT ABANDONMENT OF SERVICE

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A.
Transfer
				to Acquiring Carrier With Authority to Provide Service
. A competitive
				telecommunications carrier may transfer all or a portion of its customers only
				to another telecommunications carrier that has authority from the Commission to
				provide the same service (local exchange or interexchange) that is provided by
				the transferring carrier. No transfer may occur until the acquiring carrier
				obtains any necessary authority to provide service pursuant to
				 35-A M.R.S.A.
				§§2102 and
				2105
				and Chapter 280 of the Commission's Rules, and has obtained approval of rate
				schedules, as described in Section
				12(C). No transfer
				may occur until the acquiring carrier complies with the requirements of this
				section, other applicable sections of this Chapter, and the requirements of the
				Federal Communications Commission contained in 47 C.F.R. §64.1120(e),
				attached to this Chapter as Appendix A.
B.
Notice to Commission
. The
				acquiring carrier shall provide the Commission with written notice of the
				proposed transfer of customers, a copy of the notice to customers required by
				47 C.F.R. §64.1120(e)(3), a copy of the certification required by 47
				C.F.R. §64.1120(e)(1) and copies of any notices required by Section
				12(H). At the same
				time as the filing of the notice of transfer:
1. The acquiring carrier, if it does not have
				the necessary authority to provide service, shall file an application for that
				authority, as required by Section
				12(C), and proposed
				rate schedules or a statement that it will be adopting the rate schedules of
				the transferring carrier;
2. The
				transferring carrier, if it will no longer be providing all or some portions of
				its service, shall provide notice to the Commission of that abandonment of
				service and/or relinquishment of authority to provide service pursuant to
				Section
				7,
				8 or
				9, as applicable, except that it is
				not necessary for the transferring carrier to provide a copy of notice to
				customers because such notice is not required; and
3. The transferring and acquiring carriers
				shall each file any necessary changes to their rate schedules.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 293 - ABANDONMENT OF SERVICE AND AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE SERVICES AND TRANSFER OF CUSTOMERS BY COMPETITIVE TELECOMMUNCATIONS CARRIERS › Section 407-293-13 - FORM AND MANNER OF DELIVERY OF CUSTOMER NOTICES

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
All notices to customers required by this Chapter (including
				  notices required by 47 C.F.R. §64.1120(e) ) shall comply with the
				  following requirements:
A.
Form
. All notices to customers shall be in the form of a letter or
				bill insert. Notices to customers required by Sections 7-9 may be sent by
				electronic mail (e-mail) if the sender has complied with
				 10 M.R.S.A.
				§§9401,
et seq.
and, if applicable, 15 U.S.C. §§7001,
et
				seq
. Notices to customers required by Section
				12 cannot be sent by
				e-mail.
B.
Readable and
				Clear
. All notices shall be printed with a readable type of sufficient
				size to be clearly legible and must contain clear and unambiguous
				language;
C.
Promotional
				Materials
1.
General
				Rule
. All notices required by this Chapter shall be sent or provided
				independently of any advertising or promotional material of any kind;
2.
Exception: Acquiring Carrier; Same
				Rates
. An acquiring carrier that acquires customers pursuant to Section
				12, and that provides the notice to
				customers required by 47 C.F.R. §64.1120(e)(3), may include advertising or
				promotional materials with that notice, but only if the transfer will not
				result in an increase in rates to the customer. If the acquiring carrier must
				provide a notice of higher rates pursuant to Section
				12(I), it may not
				include advertising or promotional materials with the notice.
Code of Maine Rules › 65 - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › 407 - PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION › Chapter 293 - ABANDONMENT OF SERVICE AND AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE SERVICES AND TRANSFER OF CUSTOMERS BY COMPETITIVE TELECOMMUNCATIONS CARRIERS › Section 407-293-14 - EXEMPTION FROM REQUIREMENTS OF 35-A M.R.S.A. SECTION 1104

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
The provisions of Sections
				  4 through
				  9 of this Chapter that allow a
				  competitive telecommunications carrier to abandon service and to have its
				  authority to provide service terminated effective upon notice to the Commission
				  and without Commission approval constitute an exemption from the approval
				  requirement of
				   35-A M.R.S.A.
				  §1104. The Commission finds that this
				  exemption is in the public interest and will not have a negative effect on
				  competitive markets for telephone service. The Commission adopts this exemption
				  pursuant to the provisions or
				   35-A M.R.S.A.
				  §1105.