Section 50. Universal service

The goals of universal service and affordability of basic local exchange telephone service must be maintained in a competitive local exchange environment for the citizens of Virginia. The following requirements shall apply:

1. The commission may, if necessary, establish a Universal Service Fund and applicable payment mechanism. Any such fund shall require the participation and support of all local exchange carriers.

2. The establishment of a Universal Service Fund shall first require the evaluation of the definition of basic local exchange telephone service and the calculation of the subsidy required to support the ubiquity of such service.

3. The ILECs shall be designated as the carriers of last resort in their current local serving areas until such time as the commission determines otherwise.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 19, Issue 17, eff. April 10, 2003.

Statutory Authority

§§ 12.1-13 and 56-265.4:4 of the Code of Virginia.