have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Basic calling service." A landline telephone service that
provides a residential customer with the ability to transmit and
receive voice communications, including access to E-911 service.
For purposes of this act only, the term does not include
wireless service.
"Commission." The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
"Fund." The Universal Service Fund identified under 52 Pa.
Code Ch. 63 Subch. L (relating to universal service) and 47 CFR
Pt. 54 (relating to universal service).
"Rural telecommunications carrier." As defined in 66 Pa.C.S.
§ 3012 (relating to definitions).
Section 4. Universal Service Fund.
(a) Term and obligations.--The fund shall remain in effect
until December 31, 2021, on the same terms and conditions as
provided under 52 Pa. Code Ch. 63 Subch. L (relating to
universal service) and by commission orders issued prior to the
effective date of this section. Through December 31, 2021, each
rural telecommunications carrier:
(1) Shall provide basic calling service under 66 Pa.C.S.
§ 1501 (relating to character of service and facilities)
throughout its certificated service territory pursuant to
tariff and at a rate compliant with Federal requirements.
(2) Is prohibited from declaring as competitive a
particular geographic area, exchange or group of exchanges
under 66 Pa.C.S. § 3016(a) (relating to competitive services)
pending a final order entered by the commission in the
investigation under subsection (b).
(3) Shall file with the commission annual affidavits on
20170SB0740PN0908 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30