49-31-71. Certificate of authority--Notice and hearing.

The commission shall issue a certificate of authority for local exchange service to the applying telecommunications company, if, after notice and opportunity for hearing pursuant to chapter 1-26, the applicant has demonstrated sufficient technical, financial, and managerial capabilities to provide the local exchange services applied for. In granting a certificate of authority to provide local exchange service, the commission may impose terms and conditions, on a competitively neutral basis, that it finds consistent with preserving and advancing universal service, protecting the public safety and welfare, ensuring the continued quality of service, and safeguarding the rights of consumers.

Source: SL 1998, ch 274, § 8.