Opinion ID: 6336983
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: “Basic local exchange service”

Text: {16} Addressing the description in Section 63-9A-8(C) of what an ILEC provides, CenturyLink contends that the Commission “narrowly and unreasonably defined ‘basic local exchange service’ to include only [CenturyLink’s] basic local exchange.” The hearing examiner indeed construed “basic local exchange service” to refer specifically to CenturyLink’s landline telephone service. CenturyLink disputes this definition, arguing that because “[t]he Act does not define ‘basic local exchange service,’ but does define ‘local exchange service’ broadly,” the Commission’s definition does not give effect to the purpose of the Act. See § 63-9A-3(K) (defining “local exchange service”). Pointing to this definition, CenturyLink argues that the Commission failed to “evaluate the [Act]’s broad, technology-neutral definition of ‘local exchange service.’” {17} The Act defines “local exchange service” as “the transmission of two-way interactive switched voice communications furnished by a telecommunications company 2Under Section 63-9A-8(C), the provision CenturyLink asserts to be applicable, our task on appeal is to assess whether the Commission’s order is “arbitrary, capricious or an abuse of discretion.” Section 63-9A16. Our decision does not address whether CenturyLink could prove effective competition under Section 63-9A-8(B) as such inquiry is not before us. Consequently, our decision does not preclude CenturyLink from pursuing a determination of effective competition under Section 63-9A-8(B). within a local exchange area.” Section 63-9A-3(K). The Commission’s quality of service rules define “basic local exchange service” as the customer’s voice grade access to the public switched network, dual tone multifrequency (DTMF) signaling or its functional equivalent, and access to emergency services (911 and E-911), operator services, toll services, directory assistance, and toll blocking services for qualifying local income customers. 17.11.22.7(C) NMAC. {18} This definition requires more than a lay-level understanding. Thus, the question whether wireless or VoIP services are functionally equivalent to landline telephone services and therefore included in “basic local exchange service” relies in part on technical knowledge within the Commission’s expertise. See Morningstar, 1995-NMSC062, ¶ 11. The Commission’s decision to define “basic local exchange service” as landline telephone service appears to be reasonable. Landline telephone service relies on different technologies, has different regulatory requirements, and offers different price structures than other services, such as wireless and VoIP. Moreover, in construing “basic local exchange service” the hearing examiner relied on testimony and exhibits presented, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) statements and decisions, lay and communications industry dictionaries, and CenturyLink’s tariffs and regulations. Thus, we are unpersuaded that the Commission’s construction of “basic local exchange service” was unreasonable or unsupported by substantial evidence.