(1) Every local exchange provider shall continue to offer and provide basic local exchange service in any exchange area it serves immediately prior to July 2, 1996, unless the commission determines that an alternative provider offers or provides functionally equivalent service to the customers in such exchange area.
Rearrangements of exchange areas shall require a determination by the commissionthat such rearrangement will promote the public interest and welfare and will not adversely impact the public switched network of the affected local exchange provider or such provider's financial integrity.
Measured or message rate service for end user customers shall not be required inorder for such customers to obtain basic local exchange service unless the commission so orders.
A telecommunications provider shall not base its charges for basic local exchangeservice on the volume or amount of data or voice traffic of an individual subscriber except with the prior approval of the commission following notice and the opportunity for a hearing.
Source: L. 95: Entire section added, p. 755, § 2, effective May 24. L. 99: (2) amended, p. 185, § 2, effective March 31.