reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter C - INFRASTRUCTURE AND RELIABILITY › Section 26.52 - Emergency Operations

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) This section
				  does not apply to the retail services of an electing company, as defined by the
				  Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA) §58.002, or to the retail nonbasic
				  services offered by a transitioning company, as defined by PURA
				  §65.002.
(b) Emergency power
				  requirements.
(1) Each dominant certificated
				  telecommunications utility's (DCTU) central office not equipped with
				  permanently installed standby generators must contain adequate provisions for
				  emergency power, including four hours of battery reserve without voltage
				  falling below the level required for proper operation of all
				  equipment.
(2) In central offices
				  without installed emergency power facilities, there must be a mobile power unit
				  available that can be delivered and connected on short notice.
(3) As applicable, each DCTU must comply with
				  the backup power obligations prescribed by federal law or other applicable
				  regulations, including the requirements of 47 Code of Federal Regulations
				  §9.20.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter C - INFRASTRUCTURE AND RELIABILITY › Section 26.53 - Inspections and Tests

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) This section
				  does not apply to the retail services of an electing company, as defined by
				  Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA) §58.002, or to the retail nonbasic
				  services offered by a transitioning company, as defined by PURA
				  §65.002.
(b) Each dominant
				  certificated telecommunications utility (DCTU) must adopt a program of periodic
				  tests, inspections, and preventive maintenance aimed at achieving efficient
				  operation of its system and rendition of safe, adequate, and continuous
				  service.
(c) Each DCTU must
				  maintain or have access to test facilities enabling it to determine the
				  operating and transmission capabilities of all equipment and facilities. The
				  actual transmission performance of the network must be monitored to determine
				  if the service objectives in this chapter are met. This monitoring function
				  must include circuit order tests prior to placing trunks in service, routine
				  periodic trunk maintenance tests, tests of actual switched trunk connections,
				  periodic noise tests of a sample of customer loops in each exchange, and
				  special transmission surveys of the network.
(d) Each central office serving more than 300
				  customer access lines must be equipped with a 1,000 +/- 20 hertz, one milliwatt
				  test signal generator and a 900 Ohm balanced termination device wired to
				  telephone numbers so that they may be accessed for dial test purposes. Upon
				  commission request, each DCTU must provide the commission the numbers assigned
				  for these test terminations.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter C - INFRASTRUCTURE AND RELIABILITY › Section 26.54 - Service Objectives and Performance Benchmarks

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Applicability.
				  This section establishes service objectives for a dominant certificated
				  telecommunications utility (DCTU), as applicable. A deregulated company that
				  holds a certificate of operating authority or a transitioning company in a
				  market that is deregulated, is exempt from complying with the retail quality of
				  service standards and reporting requirements in this section.
(1) This section outlines performance
				  benchmark levels for each exchange. If service quality falls below the
				  applicable performance benchmark for an exchange, that indicates a need for the
				  utility to investigate, take appropriate corrective action, and provide a
				  report of such action to the commission.
(2) The objective service levels are based on
				  monthly averages, except for dial service and transmission requirements, which
				  are based on specific samples. DCTUs must make measurements to determine the
				  level of service quality for each item included in this section.
(3) Upon commission request, a DCTU must
				  provide the commission with the measurements and summaries for any of the
				  service or performance benchmarks provided by this section. Records of these
				  measurements and summaries must be retained by the DCTU as specified by the
				  commission.
(4) For purposes of
				  this section, an "answer" means that the operator, interactive voice system, or
				  representative, is ready to render assistance or ready to accept information
				  necessary to process the call. An acknowledgment that the customer is waiting
				  on the line does not constitute an answer.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter C - INFRASTRUCTURE AND RELIABILITY › Section 26.57 - Requirements for a Certificate Holder's Use of an Alternate Technology to Meet Its Provider of Last Resort Obligation

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a)
				  Purpose. This section establishes the requirements that apply when a
				  certificate holder uses an alternate technology to meet its provider of last
				  resort (POLR, sometimes also referred to as a carrier of last resort in other
				  parts of this chapter) obligations.
(b) Definitions. The following terms used in
				  this section shall have the following meanings, unless the context indicates
				  otherwise.
(1) Alternate technology--a
				  technology other than traditional wireline or landline technologies.
(2) Certificate holder--a holder of a
				  certificate of convenience and necessity or a certificate of operating
				  authority.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter D - RECORDS, REPORTS, AND OTHER REQUIRED INFORMATION › Section 26.71 - General Procedures, Requirements and Penalties

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Who shall file. The record keeping,
				  reporting, and filing requirements listed in this subchapter shall apply to all
				  public utilities operating in the State of Texas, excluding municipally owned
				  utilities, unless otherwise specified. Unless otherwise specified in this
				  subchapter the term "public utility" or "utility," insofar as it relates to
				  telecommunications utilities, shall refer to dominant carriers. Moreover, the
				  provisions of this subchapter are applicable to all services provided by such
				  carriers.
(b) Initial reporting.
				  Unless otherwise specified in a section of this subchapter, periodic reporting
				  shall commence as follows:
(1) Quarterly
				  reporting. For all public utilities and other persons required to file records,
				  reports and other required information under this chapter, who are not already
				  filing quarterly with the commission as of the effective date of this section,
				  reporting shall begin with an initial filing for the first fiscal quarter for
				  which information is available.
(2)
				  Annual Reporting. For all public utilities and other persons required to file
				  records, reports and other required information under this chapter, who are not
				  already filing annually with the commission as of the effective date of this
				  section, reporting shall begin with an initial filing for the most recent
				  fiscal year ending on or prior to April 30 of the first year the record, report
				  or other required information must be filed with the commission.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter D - RECORDS, REPORTS, AND OTHER REQUIRED INFORMATION › Section 26.72 - Uniform System of Accounts

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) In this
				  section the term "utility," insofar as it relates to telecommunications
				  utilities, shall refer to dominant carriers. Moreover, the provisions of this
				  section are applicable to all services provided by such carriers. Every utility
				  shall keep uniform accounts as prescribed by the commission of all business
				  transacted. The classification of utilities, index of accounts, definitions,
				  and general instructions pertaining to each uniform system of accounts as
				  amended from time to time shall be adhered to at all times, unless provided
				  otherwise by these rules, or specifically permitted by the
				  commission.
(b) Classification. For
				  the purposes of accounting and reporting to the commission, each public utility
				  shall be classified as follows:
(1) Class A:
				  utilities with annual regulated operating revenues exceeding $100
				  million.
(2) Class B: utilities
				  with annual regulated operating revenues less than $100 million.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter D - RECORDS, REPORTS, AND OTHER REQUIRED INFORMATION › Section 26.73 - Annual Earnings Report

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Each utility
				  must file with the commission, on commission-prescribed forms available on the
				  commission's website, an earnings report providing the information required to
				  enable the commission to properly monitor public utilities within the state. A
				  deregulated or transitioning company is not required to file an earnings report
				  with the commission unless the company is receiving support from the Texas High
				  Cost Universal Service Plan.
(1) Each utility
				  must report information related to the most recent calendar year as specified
				  in the instructions to the report.
(2) Each utility must file a copy of the
				  commission-prescribed earnings report with the commission no later than May
				  15th of each year.
(3) A utility
				  with a rate proceeding pending before the commission on the due date of the
				  annual earnings report, pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA),
				  Chapter 53, in which a rate filing package is required, or who had a final
				  order issued in such a proceeding within the previous 12 months, is exempt from
				  filing the report.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter D - RECORDS, REPORTS, AND OTHER REQUIRED INFORMATION › Section 26.74 - Reports on Sale of Property and Mergers

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a)
				  Except for a local exchange company exempted in subsection (e) of this section
				  a dominant carrier shall not sell, acquire, lease or rent any plant as an
				  operating unit or system in the State of Texas for a total consideration in
				  excess of $10 million unless the public utility reports such transaction to the
				  commission while pending or within 30 days after closing.
(b) Except for a local exchange company
				  exempted in subsection (e) of this section a dominant carrier shall not merge
				  or consolidate with another public utility or electric utility operating in the
				  State of Texas unless the public utility reports such transaction to the
				  commission while pending or within 30 days after closing.
(c) Dominant carriers shall not purchase
				  voting stock in another public utility or electric utility doing business in
				  the State of Texas, unless the utility reports such purchase to the commission
				  while pending or within 30 days after closing.
(d) Dominant carriers shall not loan money,
				  stocks, bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness to any corporation or
				  person owning or holding directly or indirectly any stock of the public utility
				  unless the public utility reports such transaction to the commission while
				  pending or within 30 days after closing.
(e) Incumbent local exchange companies
				  electing under the Public Utility Regulatory Act, Chapter 58, are exempt from
				  the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) of this section.
(f) For dominant carriers, investigations by
				  the commission, with or without public hearing, of the transactions described
				  in subsection (a) and (b) of this section must be completed within 180 days
				  after the date of notification by the dominant carrier. If an order is not
				  entered within that time, the utility's action is considered consistent with
				  the public interest.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter D - RECORDS, REPORTS, AND OTHER REQUIRED INFORMATION › Section 26.75 - Reports on Sale of 50% or More of Stock

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a)
				  All transactions involving the sale of 50% or more of the stock of a dominant
				  carrier except a local exchange company exempted in subsection (b) of this
				  section, shall be reported to the commission while pending or within 30 days
				  after closing.
(b) Incumbent local
				  exchange companies electing under the Public Utility Regulatory Act, Chapter
				  58, are exempt from the requirements of this subsection.
(c) For dominant carriers, investigations by
				  the commission, with or without public hearing, of the transactions described
				  in this section must be completed within 180 days after the date of
				  notification by the dominant carrier. If an order is not entered within that
				  time, the utility's action is considered consistent with the public
				  interest.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter D - RECORDS, REPORTS, AND OTHER REQUIRED INFORMATION › Section 26.76 - Gross Receipts Assessment Report

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
All telecommunications utilities subject to the
					 jurisdiction of the commission shall file a gross receipts assessment report
					 with the state comptroller reflecting those gross receipts subject to the
					 assessment as required by the Public Utility Regulatory Act on a form
					 prescribed by the state comptroller. These reports shall be required on an
					 annual basis for those companies that have elected to remit their assessment
					 annually and on a quarterly basis for those companies that have elected to
					 remit their assessment quarterly. Such reports and assessments shall be
					 remitted in accordance with the Public Utility Regulatory Act, Chapter 16,
					 Subchapter A.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter D - RECORDS, REPORTS, AND OTHER REQUIRED INFORMATION › Section 26.79 - Equal Opportunity Reports

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) This section
				  does not apply to a deregulated company that holds a certificate of operating
				  authority or to an exempt carrier under Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA)
				  §52.154.
(b) The term
				  "minority group members," when used within this section, must include only
				  members of the following groups:
(1)
				  African-Americans;
(2) American
				  Indians;
(3)
				  Asian-Americans;
(4)
				  Hispanic-Americans and other Americans of Hispanic origin; and
(5) women.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter D - RECORDS, REPORTS, AND OTHER REQUIRED INFORMATION › Section 26.80 - Annual Report on Historically Underutilized Businesses

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) This section
				  does not apply to a company that holds a certificate of operating authority, a
				  company that holds a service provider certificate of operating authority, a
				  registered interexchange carrier, or an exempt carrier that meets the criteria
				  of Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA) §52.154.
(b) In this section, "historically
				  underutilized business" has the same meaning as defined by Title 10, Subtitle
				  D, Chapter
				  2161 of the Texas
				  Government Code.
(c) Every utility
				  must report its use of historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) to the
				  commission on the form prescribed by the commission. A utility may submit the
				  report physically or digitally in Microsoft Excel format.
(1) Each small local exchange company and
				  telephone cooperative utility must, on or before December 30 of each calendar
				  year, submit to the commission a comprehensive annual report detailing its use
				  of HUBs for the four quarters ending on September 30 of the calendaryear the
				  report is filed, using the form prescribed by the commission.
(2) Every utility other than those specified
				  in paragraph (1) of this subsection, must, on or before December 30 of each
				  calendar year, submit to the commission a comprehensive annual report detailing
				  its use of HUBs for the four prior quarters ending on September 30 of the
				  calendar year the report is filed, using the form prescribed by the
				  commission.
(3) Each utility that
				  reports indirect HUB procurements or HUB procurements made by a contractor of
				  the utility report such procurements separately on the form prescribed by the
				  commission.
(4) Each utility must
				  submit a text description of how it determined which of its vendors meets the
				  criteria for a HUB.
(5) Each
				  utility that has more than 1,000 customers in a state other than Texas or that
				  purchases more than 10% of its goods and services from vendors not located in
				  Texas must separately report, by total and category, all utility purchases, all
				  utility purchases from Texas vendors, and all utility purchases from Texas HUB
				  vendors. A vendor is a Texas vendor if the vendor is physically located within
				  the boundaries of Texas.
(6) Each
				  utility must also file any other information necessary to accurately assess the
				  utility's use of HUBs.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter D - RECORDS, REPORTS, AND OTHER REQUIRED INFORMATION › Section 26.81 - Service Quality Reports

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
Service quality reports shall be submitted quarterly on a
					 form prescribed by the commission.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter D - RECORDS, REPORTS, AND OTHER REQUIRED INFORMATION › Section 26.89 - Nondominant Carriers' Obligations Regarding Information on Rates and Services

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Filing of
				  tariff by nondominant carrier. A nondominant carrier, including a nondominant
				  carrier holding a certificate of operating authority or a service provider
				  certificate of operating authority may, but is not required to file with the
				  commission the information listed under paragraphs (1)-(3) of this subsection.
				  If filed, such information must be updated and kept current at all times.
(1) A description of each type of
				  telecommunications service provided;
(2) For each service listed in response to
				  paragraph (1) of this subsection, the locations in the state by city in which
				  service is originated or terminated. If a service is provided statewide, the
				  carrier must specify either origination or termination; and
(3) A tariff, schedule, or list showing each
				  rate for each service, product, or commodity offered by the nondominant
				  carrier. A tariff must include a cover letter that lists each rule that relates
				  to or affects a rate of the nondominant carrier, or a utility service, product,
				  or commodity furnished by the nondominant carrier.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter E - CERTIFICATION, LICENSING AND REGISTRATION › Section 26.101 - Certificate of Convenience and Necessity Criteria

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Scope and Purpose. The commission may
				  grant a certificate of convenience and necessity (CCN) to provide local
				  exchange telephone service, basic local telecommunications service or switched
				  access service pursuant to Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA), Chapter 54,
				  Subchapter B.
(b) Certificates of
				  Convenience and Necessity for new service areas and facilities.
(1) The commission may issue a CCN only if it
				  finds that the CCN is necessary for the service, accommodation, convenience, or
				  safety of the public and complies with the requirements in PURA §54.054
				  (relating to Grant or Denial of Certificate).
(2) The commission may grant a CCN as
				  requested, refuse to grant it, or grant it for the construction of a portion of
				  the requested system, facility, or extension, or for the partial exercise of
				  the requested right or privilege.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter E - CERTIFICATION, LICENSING AND REGISTRATION › Section 26.102 - Registration of Pay Telephone Service Providers (PTS)

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Scope and Purpose. This section applies
				  to the registration of pay telephone service (PTS) providers pursuant to Public
				  Utility Regulatory Act (PURA) Chapter 55, Subchapter H, §§55.171 -
				  55.180 (relating to Pay Telephones) and Chapter 26, Subchapter N, §§
										RSA
				  26.341-
				  RSA
				  26.347 of this title (relating to Pay
				  Telephone Services).
(b)
				  Registration Requirement. All PTS providers (except CCN holders) must submit a
				  PTS registration before providing pay telephone services in the State of Texas.
				  If the PTS registration holder has any change to the information provided in
				  the registration, then the PTS registration holder must update its registration
				  information within 30 days of the change.
(c) Re-registration. PTS registrations expire
				  on August 1st of each year. Each PTS provider must renew its registration with
				  the commission by electronically submitting the required form in the manner
				  established by the commission. A registration that is renewed during the period
				  from January 1 to July 31 is extended one year. A registration that is not
				  renewed is no longer valid.
(d)
				  Disclosure of location. Registration requires disclosure of the location of
				  each of the registrant's pay telephones by county. If a registrant asserts
				  confidentiality of information related to the physical location of pay
				  telephones, it must file this information in accordance with §
										RSA
				  22.71 of this title (relating to Filing of
				  Pleadings, Documents, and Other Material).
(e) Network access. Certificated
				  Telecommunications Utilities (CTUs) shall provide pay telephone access service
				  (PTAS) to a PTS provider that provides its commission-issued PTS registration
				  number to the CTU.
(f) Revocation
				  or suspension. If the commission finds that a PTS provider is in violation of
				  PURA, commission rules, or rules of the Federal Communications Commission, the
				  commission may suspend or revoke the PTS registration and may direct all CTUs
				  to discontinue provision of pay telephone access service to the PTS
				  provider.
(g) Reporting
				  requirements. Each PTS provider must maintain accurate contact
				  information.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter E - CERTIFICATION, LICENSING AND REGISTRATION › Section 26.107 - Registration of Interexchange Carriers (IXCs), Prepaid Calling Services Companies (PPC), and Other Nondominant Telecommunications Carriers

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Scope and Purpose. This section applies
				  to the registration of telecommunications utilities
(i.e.,
providers of intralata and interlata long distance telecommunications services,
				  prepaid calling services companies pursuant to §
										RSA
				  26.34 of this title (relating to Telephone
				  Prepaid Calling Services), and other telecommunications services that do not
				  require certification pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA)
				  Chapter 54, Subchapter C (relating to Certificate of Operating Authority);
				  except as noted in PURA §51.002(10) (relating to Definitions)).
(b) Registration Requirement. Each
				  telecommunications utility not holding a certificate of operating authority
				  (COA) or service provider certificate of operating authority (SPCOA) shall file
				  with the commission the information set forth in paragraphs (1) - (5) of this
				  subsection no later than the 30th day after commencing service in the State of
				  Texas. A registered telecommunications utility must report to the commission
				  any changes to the information provided in its registration within 30 days of
				  the change.
(1) Registered Name. A
				  telecommunications utility may register in only one name:
(A) The applicant shall provide the date the
				  requested name was accepted, the certification/file number assigned to the
				  applicant and any assumed names registered with the Office of the Secretary of
				  State or the registration of assumed names in another state or county, as
				  applicable.
(B) The requested name
				  shall not be deceptive, misleading, vague, or duplicative of an existing
				  certificated telecommunications utility (CTU) or other existing
				  registrants.
(C) Commission staff
				  will review any name in which the applicant proposes to do business. If staff
				  determines that any requested name does not meet the requirements of
				  subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, it shall notify the applicant that the
				  requested name may not be used by the applicant. The applicant will be required
				  to provide at least one suitable name in order to be registered.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter F - REGULATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE › Section 26.121 - Privacy Issues

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Application.
				  Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, in this section the term
				  "utility" shall refer to all dominant certificated telecommunications utilities
				  as defined in §
										RSA 26.5
				  of this title (relating to Definitions).
(b) Purpose. It is commission policy that
				  customers of all dominant certificated telecommunications utilities should be
				  permitted to control the outflow of information about themselves.
(c) Lost privacy. Any dominant certificated
				  telecommunications utility proposing to offer a new service or a new feature to
				  an existing service under the provisions of §
										RSA
				  26.207 of this title (relating to Form and
				  Filing of Tariffs), §
										RSA
				  26.209 of this title (relating to New and
				  Experimental Services), §
										RSA
				  26.210 of this title (relating to Promotional
				  Rates for Local Exchange Company Services), §
										RSA
				  26.211 of this title (relating to
				  Rate-Setting Flexibility for Services Subject to Significant Competitive
				  Challenges), or §
										RSA
				  26.227 of this title (relating to Procedures
				  Applicable to Nonbasic Services and Pricing Flexibility for Basic and Nonbasic
				  Services for Chapter 58 Companies) for which the commission finds diminished
				  customer privacy, and for which the dominant certificated telecommunications
				  utility has not shown good cause pursuant to subsections (d)(2)(B)(ii) and
				  (d)(2)(D) of this section, must, in a manner ordered by the commission:
(1) provide a means of restoring the lost
				  privacy at no charge to customers; and
(2) educate all customers as to the means to
				  regain the lost privacy.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter F - REGULATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE › Section 26.123 - Caller Identification Services

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Application.
				  Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, this section applies to all
				  telecommunications utilities and providers of commercial mobile radio services
				  otherwise herein referred to as "Providers of Caller ID." This section does not
				  apply to a deregulated company holding a certificate of operating authority or
				  to an exempt carrier under Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA)
				  §52.154.
(b) Caller
				  identification services ("caller ID").
(1)
				  Application. This subsection does not apply to:
(A) an identification service that is used
				  within the customer's own system, including a central office based PBX-type
				  system;
(B) information that is
				  used on a public agency's emergency telephone line or on a line that receives
				  the primary emergency telephone number (9-1-1, or E9-1-1);
(C) information passed between
				  telecommunications utilities, enhanced service providers, or other entities
				  that is necessary for the set-up, processing, transmission, or billing of
				  telecommunications or related services;
(D) information provided in compliance with
				  applicable law or legal process; or
(E) an identification service provided in
				  connection with a "700," "800," "888," "900," or similar access code
				  telecommunications service.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter F - REGULATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE › Section 26.124 - Pay-Per-Call Information Services Call Blocking

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Free blocking. Within 90 days of being
				  declared a dominant carrier, all dominant certificated telecommunications
				  utilities (DCTUs) are required, upon request from the end user only, to block
				  access to all pay-per-call information services when a call is placed to a
				  1-900-XXX-XXXX or 976-XXXX number. There will be no charge to the end user for
				  the first blocking request when pay-per-call information service blocking is
				  first installed on the end user's line. However, there may be a non-recurring
				  charge applicable for subsequent blocking requests, if prior blocking has been
				  removed and is being reinstated.
(b) Subscription to blocking.
(1) End users not currently receiving
				  blocking. To restrict access to pay-per-call information services, end users
				  must order blocking either orally or by using a written ballot. Within 60 days
				  of being declared a DCTU, each DCTU must notify its end users of the free
				  blocking opportunity and send a post-paid ballot to all existing end users
				  (either through bill inserts or a separate mailing) allowing them to choose
				  whether they want to restrict access to pay-per-call information
				  services.
(2) New end users must be
				  offered free blocking of pay-per-call information service calls at the time of
				  their service order. There will be no charge to the end user for the first
				  blocking request, but there may be a non-recurring charge applicable for
				  subsequent blocking requests.
(3)
				  End users electing not to restrict access to pay-per-call information services
				  will have access to all 900 and 976 pay-per-call information services available
				  in their service area.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter F - REGULATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE › Section 26.127 - Abbreviated Dialing Codes

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Code
				  assignments. The following abbreviated dialing codes may be used in Texas:
(1) 211--Community Information and Referral
				  Services;
(2) 311--Non-Emergency
				  Governmental Service;
(3) 411--
(A) Directory Assistance; and
(B) Directory Assistance Call
				  Completion;
(4)
				  511--Traffic and Transportation Information;
(5) 611--Repair Service;
(6) 711--Telecommunications Relay
				  Service;
(7) 811--One Call
				  Excavation Notification; and
(8)
				  911--Emergency Service.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter F - REGULATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE › Section 26.128 - Telephone Directories

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Application.
				  The provisions of this section applies to all telephone directory providers to
				  the extent outlined by this section. This section does not apply to a
				  deregulated company holding a certificate of operating authority, or to an
				  exempt carrier that meets the criteria of Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA)
				  §52.154. For purposes of this section, the term "a private for-profit
				  publisher" means a publisher, other than a telecommunications utility or its
				  affiliate, of a telephone directory that contains residential listings and is
				  distributed to the public at minimal or no cost.
(b) Telephone directory requirements for all
				  providers. A private, for-profit publisher, and a telecommunications utility or
				  affiliate of a telecommunications utility that publishes a residential
				  telephone directory must comply with the following requirements:
(1) A telephone directory must contain a
				  listing of each toll-free and local telephone number for each of the following:
(A) state agencies;
(B) state public services; and
(C) elected state officials who represent all
				  or part of the geographical area for which the directory contains
				  listings.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter F - REGULATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE › Section 26.129 - Standards for Access to Provide Telecommunications Services at Tenant Request

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is
				  to implement Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA) §§54.259, 54.260,
				  and 54.261 regarding the non-discriminatory treatment of a telecommunications
				  utility by the property owner upon a tenant's request for telecommunications
				  services.
(b) Application.
(1) This section applies to the following
				  entities:
(A) "Telecommunications utilities"
				  or "telecommunications utility" as defined in PURA §51.002(11), that hold
				  a consent, franchise, or permit as determined to be the appropriate grants of
				  authority by the municipality and hold a certificate if required by
				  PURA;
(B) Public or private
				  property owners of commercial property and the property owner's authorized
				  representative(s); and
(C) Public
				  or private property owners of commercially operated residential property with
				  four or more dwelling units and the property owner's authorized
				  representative(s).
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter F - REGULATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE › Section 26.130 - Selection of Telecommunications Utilities

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Purpose and
				  Application.
(1) Purpose. The provisions of
				  this section are intended to ensure that all customers in this state are
				  protected from an unauthorized change in a customer's local or long-distance
				  telecommunications utility.
(2)
				  Application. This section, including any references in this section to
				  requirements in 47 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Subpart K (entitled
				  "Changing Long Distance Service"), applies to a "telecommunications utility,"
				  as that term is defined in §
											26.5 of this title (relating to
				  Definitions). This section does not apply to an unauthorized charge unrelated
				  to a change in preferred telecommunications utility. Requirements related to
				  proper authorization for a billing charge by a telecommunication utility are
				  addressed by §
											26.32 of this title (relating to
				  Protection Against Unauthorized Billing Charges ("Cramming")).
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter F - REGULATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE › Section 26.131 - Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC)-to-CLEC and CLEC-to-Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC) Migration Guidelines

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is
				  to establish standardized procedures, general business rules, and privacy
				  protocols governing end user or customer migrations between CLECs, or between a
				  CLEC and an ILEC that serves 31,000 or more access lines in the state, to
				  ensure that:
(1) customers can migrate from
				  one CLEC to another or from a CLEC to an ILEC in a seamless manner without
				  encountering abnormal delays, service interruptions, and cumbersome
				  procedures;
(2) customers are not
				  switched from one telecommunications provider to another without their
				  permission pursuant to §
											RSA
				  26.130 of this title (relating to Selection
				  of Telecommunications Utilities); and
(3) customers do not have unauthorized
				  charges placed on their bills pursuant to §
											RSA
				  26.32 of this title (relating to Protection
				  Against Unauthorized Billing Charges ("Cramming")).
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter F - REGULATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE › Section 26.133 - Business and Marketing Code of Conduct for Certificated Telecommunications Utilities (CTUs)

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Purpose. The
				  purpose of this section is to establish a code of conduct in order to implement
				  Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA) §51.001 and §64.001 relating to
				  fair business practices and safeguards against fraudulent, unfair, misleading,
				  deceptive, or anticompetitive practices in order to ensure quality service and
				  a competitive market.
(b)
				  Application. This section applies to all certificated telecommunications
				  utilities (CTUs), as defined in §
										RSA 26.5
				  of this title (relating to Definitions), and CTU employees. This section also
				  applies to all authorized agents of the CTU. This section does not apply to a
				  deregulated company holding a certificate of operating authority or to an
				  exempt carrier under Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA)
				  §52.154.
(c) Communications.
(1) A CTU employee or authorized agent shall
				  conduct communications with competitors and competitors' end-user customers
				  with the same degree of professionalism, courtesy, and efficiency as that
				  performed on behalf of their employer and end-user customers.
(2) A CTU employee or authorized agent, while
				  engaged in the installation of equipment or the rendering of services
				  (including the processing of an order for the installation, repair or
				  restoration of service, or engaged in the actual repair or restoration of
				  service) on behalf of a competitor shall not make statements regarding the
				  service of any competitor and shall not promote any of the CTU's services to
				  the competitor's end-user customers.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter F - REGULATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE › Section 26.134 - Market Test to be Applied in Determining if Markets with Populations Less than 100,000 Should Remain Regulated

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a)
				  Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish the market tests to be
				  applied in determining if markets with populations less than 100,000 should
				  remain regulated.
(b) Application.
				  This section applies to all incumbent local exchange companies (ILECs), as
				  defined in §
										RSA 26.5
				  of this title (relating to Definitions).
(c) Market Test. Markets as defined in PURA
				  §65.002 with a population of less than 100,000 shall be deregulated only
				  if the ILEC providing services to such a market submits evidence demonstrating
				  that the population in the market is less than 100,000 and in addition to the
				  ILEC there are at least two competitors operating in all or part of the market
				  that:
(1) are unaffiliated with the ILEC;
				  and
(2) provide voice
				  communications service without regard to the delivery technology, including
				  through:
(A) Internet Protocol or a successor
				  protocol;
(B) satellite;
				  or
(C) a technology used by a
				  wireless provider or a commercial mobile service provider, as that term is
				  defined by PURA §64.201.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter G - ADVANCED SERVICES › Section 26.141 - Distance Learning, Information Sharing Programs, and Interactive Multimedia Communications and Private Network Services to Certain Entities

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Definitions. The following words and
				  terms, when used in this section, shall have the following meanings, unless the
				  context indicates otherwise.
(1) Distance
				  learning--Instruction, learning, and training that is transmitted from one site
				  to one or more sites by telecommunications services that are used by an
				  educational institution predominantly for such instruction, learning, or
				  training, including video, data, voice, and electronic information.
(2) Educational institution--Accredited
				  primary or secondary schools owned or operated by state and local government
				  entities or by private entities; institutions of higher education as defined by
				  the Education Code, §
											RSA
				  61.003<subdiv>(13)</subdiv>; the
				  Texas Education Agency, its successors and assigns; regional education service
				  centers established and operated pursuant to the Education Code, Chapter 8; and
				  the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, its successors and
				  assigns.
(3) Health center--A
				  federally qualified health center delivery site.
(4) Information sharing program--Instruction,
				  learning, and training that is transmitted from one site to one or more sites
				  by telecommunications services that are used by a library predominantly for
				  such instruction, learning, or training, including video, data, voice, and
				  electronic information.
(5)
				  Interactive multimedia communications--Real-time, two-way, interactive voice,
				  video, and data communications conducted over networks that link geographically
				  dispersed locations. This definition includes interactive communications within
				  or between buildings on the same campus or library site.
(6) Library--Public library or regional
				  library system as defined by Government Code, §
											RSA
				  441.122, or a library operated by an
				  institution of higher education or a school district.
Texas Administrative Code › Title 16 - ECONOMIC REGULATION › Part 2 - PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION OF TEXAS › Chapter 26 - SUBSTANTIVE RULES APPLICABLE TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS › Subchapter I - ALTERNATIVE REGULATION › Section 26.171 - Small Incumbent Local Exchange Company Regulatory Flexibility

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Purpose and
				  application.
(1) Purpose. The purpose of this
				  section is to establish procedures and pricing guidelines that small incumbent
				  local exchange companies (ILECs), because of their special characteristics, may
				  use to expedite commission approval of services and rates in accordance with
				  the Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA), Chapter 53, Subchapter G. Through
				  this section, the commission encourages the provision of adequate and efficient
				  telecommunications service by facilitating the ability of small ILECs' to offer
				  technologically advanced services that are generally available in metropolitan
				  areas from large ILECs.
(2)
				  Application. This section applies to any small ILEC as that term is defined in
				  §
											RSA 26.5
				  of this title (relating to Definitions), except that this section does not
				  apply to a cooperative corporation partially deregulated under PURA, Chapter
				  53, Subchapter H. Nothing in this section precludes a small ILEC from offering
				  a packaged service, new service, or promotional service or proposing a change
				  in rates under other applicable sections of the PURA. Nothing in this section
				  prohibits the commission from conducting a review in accordance with PURA,
				  Chapter 53, Subchapter D. Notwithstanding limitations contained within §
											RSA
				  26.121 of this title (relating to Privacy
				  Issues), §
											RSA
				  26.121 of this title applies to notices to
				  the commission (commission notices) filed under this section.