Administrative Rules of Montana
Department 38 - PUBLIC SERVICE REGULATION
Chapter 38.5 - UTILITY DIVISION
Subchapter 38.5.41 - IntraLATA Equal Access Implementation
Rule 38.5.4101 - SCOPE AND PURPOSE OF RULES

(1) This subchapter governs the implementation of intraLATA dialing parity in Montana. This subchapter shall be construed to secure the just, speedy and inexpensive determination of every action. All matters before the Montana public service commission relating to dialing parity implementation on or after the date of adoption of these rules shall be governed by this subchapter.

(2) The purpose of this subchapter is to provide guidelines and procedures for the commission to carry out its duties pursuant to the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-104, 110 Stat. 56 (1996). The 1996 Act imposes on all local exchange carriers the duty to provide dialing parity to competing providers of telephone toll service. 47 USC 251 (b) (3). The commission imposes this subchapter for competition within intraLATA areas in order to encourage competitive entry, protect the public safety and welfare, ensure the continued quality of telecommunications services, and safeguard the rights of consumers while ensuring that the rates charged and services rendered by telecommunications services providers are just and reasonable.