OAR 860-032-0040: Subsidies for Telecommunications Service

(1) Before determining the need for or the sources of a subsidy to telecommunications providers, the Commission shall investigate and hold hearings. The Commission shall consider: (a) The need to secure and maintain high-quality universal telecommunications service at just and reasonable rates for all customer classes; (b) The need to encourage innovation through a balanced program of regulation and competition; and (c) The effect of changing technology on pricing methods. (2) Any person may petition the Commission to require telecommunications providers to subsidize services provided by a telecommunications utility. (3) The Commission shall, by order, identify the revenue source of any fund needed to provide the subsidy and prescribe the manner of collection and distribution of the fund.