PRINTER'S NO. 648
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No.
579
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY SABATINA, FONTANA, TARTAGLIONE, COSTA, SCHWANK AND
RAFFERTY, APRIL 5, 2017
REFERRED TO CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE,
APRIL 5, 2017
AN ACT
Amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in alternative form of regulation of
telecommunications services, providing for voluntary
suspension of service.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Title 66 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes is amended by adding a section to read:
ยง 3020. Voluntary suspension of service.
(a) General rule.--At the request of the customer, telephone
service providing residential service may be temporarily
suspended without loss of the telephone number for a period of
one month up to a maximum of one year.
(b) Information.--Prior to the suspension of telephone
service under this section, the customer requesting a voluntary
suspension of service shall be provided information stating that
during the voluntary suspension of service the telephone line
will not be operational.
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(c) Telephone number.--The customer's right to retain the
customer's telephone number during a period of voluntary
suspension of service is subject to the telephone company's
right to change numbers under circumstances that would have
called for a number change while the telephone service was
active.
(d) Rate.--
(1) A voluntary suspension of service rate may be
charged during this period of voluntary suspension. The
voluntary suspension of service rate may not exceed $5 per
month.
(2) No other rates, fees or charges may be imposed for a
voluntary suspension of service.
(3) A voluntary suspension of service rate shall be
adopted as a separate tariff.
(e) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following
words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this
subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
" Basic service." The transmission of messages or
communications by telephone between points within a local
calling area as established in the tariff of an LEC.
" LEC." A public utility that provides basic service either
exclusively or in addition to toll service.
" Residential service." Telephone service supplied to a
dwelling, including service provided to a location used for both
residential and commercial purposes if no concurrent commercial
service is provided. The term does not include telephone service
provided to a hotel or motel.
" Telephone company." A public utility that provides
telephone service subject to the jurisdiction of the commission.
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" Telephone service." Transmission of messages or
telecommunications by telephone. The term includes basic service
and toll service.
" Toll service." The transmission of messages or
communications by telephone between points that are not both
within a local calling area as established in the tariff of an
LEC.
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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