Section 160.092. Alternative universal service protection plans.

 

(1)  After notice and opportunity for hearing the commission may, by order, implement one or more of the following plans:

(a) An alternative to the high rate assistance credit mechanism in s. PSC 160.09 .

(b) A measure to ensure provision of intralata and interlata essential services.

(c) A measure approved by the commission as necessary to protect universal service and ensure provision of services.

(2)  Alternative plans under this section shall be implemented on an experimental basis. These plans shall be reviewed within 3 years of inception and shall terminate within 5 years of inception, unless made permanent by commission order after notice and an opportunity for hearing.

(3)  Alternative plans under this section may make use of cost studies, bidding, auctions, defined service territories or other mechanisms to protect universal service. The commission may, by order, authorize payment of universal service fund monies as part of an alternative plan.

Cr. Register, April, 1996, No. 484 , eff. 5-1-96; CR 13-068 : renum. (1) to (1) (a) and am., cr. (1) (intro.), (b), (c), am. (2), (3), r. (4) Register January 2016 No. 721 , eff. 2-1-16; corrections in (2) made under ss. 13.92 (4) (b) 7. and 35.17 , Stats., Register January 2016 No. 721 .