Section 709.5 Of Article 1. Generally From California Public Utilities Code >> Division 1. >> Part 1. >> Chapter 4. >> Article 1.
709.5
. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature that all
telecommunications markets subject to commission jurisdiction be
opened to competition not later than January 1, 1997. The commission
shall take steps to ensure that competition in telecommunications
markets is fair and that the state's universal service policy is
observed.
(b) To the extent possible, competition in intraexchange
telecommunications markets shall be coincident with competition in
video markets.
(c) The commission shall expedite its open network architecture
and network development, interconnection, universal service, and
other related dockets so that whatever additional rules and
regulations that may be necessary to achieve fair local exchange
competition shall be in place no later than January 1, 1997.
(d) If any local exchange telephone company obtains the right to
offer cable television or video dialtone service within its service
territory from a regulatory body or court of competent jurisdiction,
any cable television corporation or its affiliates may immediately
have the right to enter into the intraexchange market within the
service territory of that local exchange carrier by filing for
approval of a certificate of public convenience and necessity, if
necessary, which shall be expeditiously reviewed by the commission.
(e) If the local exchange corporation is subject to the commission'
s standards for the interconnection of networks, network unbundling,
and service quality, the cable television corporation or its
affiliates may be subject to the commission's standards for the
interconnection of networks, network unbundling, and service quality,
for that portion of their network dedicated to intraexchange
telecommunications service. In addition, all corporations offering
intraexchange telecommunications service shall be subject to the
commission's consumer protection regulations.