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PSC updates telecom rules, drops mandatory print directories and aligns with federal lifeline rules
Summary
The commission approved revisions that remove obsolete requirements, align state rules with federal certification standards for eligible telecommunications carriers, and allow digital directories with paper copies on request. Document 52 67 passed 7-0; stakeholders requested a separate resolution to make the change effective this year.
The Public Service Commission voted 7-0 to approve changes to telecommunications regulations that remove outdated provisions, align state certification with federal rules, and eliminate a general requirement to publish printed telephone directories.
Jocelyn (agency staff) summarized the changes to Article 6, noting the commission "delete[s] the regulations related to the advisory committee to monitor statewide telecommunications relay access service" because the underlying statutes were repealed, removes references to the federal "link up" program as it was removed from the federal lifeline program, and adopts federal references for eligible telecommunications carrier designation.
Balen Moore, representing South Carolina rural telephone companies, raised a practical concern about the removal of mandatory printed directories for the current year, saying the cost to some companies "can exceed $30,000 per year per company." He said the companies support the longer-term deletion because directories are largely obsolete, but the immediate cost in the current year presents a hardship.
Jocelyn said the updated regulation would require providers to publish a digital directory and to provide a paper copy on request rather than mail printed directories to all customers. Balen asked the committee to introduce a concurrent resolution to affirmatively approve the regulation so it could take effect this year rather than waiting for the statutory 120-day time-out process to expire next session. The chair and members agreed to return with the resolution at a subsequent full committee meeting; that request was passed by voice vote.
The commission then approved Document 52 67 by roll call: Mister Anderson — yes; Mister Guffey — yes; Mister Hartz — yes; Mister Martin — yes; Mister Neece — yes; Mister Teeple — yes; Mister Bradley — yes. The tally was 7–0.
