The commission, with due consideration of the public interest, quality of service, financial condition, and just and reasonable rates, shall grant regulatory treatment that is less comprehensive than otherwise provided for under this article to rural telecommunications providers as defined in section 40-15-102 (24.5). The commission shall issue policy statements and rules and regulations that maintain reasonable regulatory oversight and that consider the cost of regulation in relation to the benefit derived from such regulation. These rules and regulations shall encourage the cost effective deployment and use of modern telecommunications technology. All proposed rules applicable to rural telecommunications providers that come before the commission shall consider the economic impact on rural telecommunications providers and their subscribers. The commission and rural telecommunications providers are encouraged to work together in a cooperative and proactive fashion to implement this section.
Source: L. 93: Entire section added, p. 2080, § 51, effective July 1. L. 2000: Entire section amended, p. 47, § 5, effective March 10.