|
Advanced Services in Rural Areas
In 1999 the Texas Legislature enacted legislation regarding the deployment of advanced services in rural areas (high speed internet access) that are reasonably comparable to those advanced services, including prices, found in urban areas. The Commission's substantive rule, §26.143, proscribes the procedures for obtaining advanced services in rural areas from certain incumbent local exchange telephone companies, certificate of operating authority holders, and service provider certificate of operating authority holders.
The rule establishes a competitive forum whereby customers in a rural area can seek advanced services through a "competitive response process." Under this provision, rural customers submit a written request to the commission for advanced services. The commission posts the relevant information regarding the request on its website so that potential providers become aware of the request. Within 50 days after posting, any interested advanced service provider may submit a proposal to the rural area's contact person.
Based on the proposals received the persons seeking the advanced services will negotiate and select a provider.
If no advanced services agreement is reached through the competitive response process, customers may seek such services through the Bona Fide Retail Request (BFRR) procedure. This procedure delimited in §26.143, establishes a proceeding for the selection of an advanced services provider, as well as the parameters for determining prices, terms and conditions.
For additional information regarding advanced services, including request for such services reference the following links:
PUC contact person:
James Kelsaw
512-936-7338
james.kelsaw@puc.state.tx.us
* Disclaimer: In the spring of 2002, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) funded a project for a graduate course at the Lyndon Baines Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin taught by Professor Gary Chapman. Professor Chapman's class researched broadband access in rural communities in order to create a website that provides information and "tools" for others to consider in developing broadband links in their communities. The students developed and created this site including all of the content, associated recommendations, and the selection of "live" links to other Internet addresses. The PUCT hopes that the public will find the work of the students to be useful and instructive in developing broadband opportunities through out Texas. However, PUCT staff did not participate in the development of the Lonestar Broadband site or the decisions about its content. Accordingly, the PUCT does not endorse, approve, certify, or control the content of this site or the content found at the external Internet addresses. The PUCT does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficiency, or timeliness of information located on this site or at the linked external addresses. Use of any information obtained from such addresses is voluntary, and reliance on it should only be undertaken after an independent review. Reference herein to any specific service provider, commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the PUCT.
Last Updated: 07/17/08
* PDF files require the use of the Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Down load a free copy here.
|
