Wisconsin Administrative Code
Public Service Commission
Chapter PSC 160 - Universal Service Support Funding And Programs
Section PSC 160.03 - Essential telecommunications services

(a) " 911" means a service that permits a telecommunications user to use the three-digit code `911,' to access emergency services through a public safety answering point operated by a local government.

(b) "Directory assistance" means a service that includes making available to customers, upon request, information contained in directory listings, such as customer address and telephone number.

(c) "Dual tone multi-frequency" means a method of signaling that facilitates the transportation of signaling through the network, shortening call set-up time.

Note: This is commonly known as touch tone.

(d) "Emergency services" includes services, such as 911 and enhanced 911, provided by local governments or other public safety organizations.

(e) "Enhanced 911" means 911 service that includes the ability to provide automatic numbering information, which enables the public safety answering point to call back if the call is disconnected, and automatic location information, which permits emergency service providers to identify the geographic location of the calling party.

(f) "Interexchange service" means the use of the loop, as well as that portion of the switch that is paid for by the end user, or the functional equivalent of these network elements in the case of a wireless provider, necessary to access an interexchange provider's network.

(g) "Local usage" means an amount of exchange service, prescribed by the commission, provided free of charge to end users.

(h) "Operator services" means any automatic or live assistance to a customer to arrange for billing or completion, or both, of a telephone call.

(i) "Single-party service" means telecommunications service that permits users to have exclusive use of a landline subscriber loop or access line for each call placed, or, in the case of wireless providers, which use spectrum shared among users to provide service, a dedicated message path for the length of a user's particular transmission.

(j) "Voice grade access" means a functionality that enables a user of telecommunications services to transmit voice communications, including signaling the network that the caller wishes to place a call, and to receive voice communications, including receiving a signal indicating there is an incoming call.

Note: The definitions in sub. (1) do not have any application. The Public Service Commission will remove sub. (1) in future rule-making.