[§269-41]  Universal service program;establishment; purpose; principles.  There is established the universalservice program.  The purpose of this program is to:

(1)  Maintain affordable, just, and reasonable ratesfor basic residential telecommunications service, as defined by the commission;

(2)  Assist customers located in the areas of theState that have high costs of essential telecommunications service, low-incomecustomers, and customers with disabilities, in obtaining and maintaining accessto a basic set of essential telecommunications services as determined by thecommission.  The commission may expand or otherwise modify relevant programs,such as the lifeline program under section 269-16.5;

(3)  Ensure that consumers in all communities are providedwith access, at reasonably comparable rates, to all telecommunications serviceswhich are used by a majority of consumers located in metropolitan areas of theState.  The commission shall provide for a reasonable transition period tosupport the statewide deployment of these advanced telecommunications services,including, but not limited to, the use of strategic community access points inpublic facilities such as education, library, and health care facilities;

(4)  Ensure that consumers are given the informationnecessary to make informed choices among the alternative telecommunicationscarriers and services; and

(5)  Promote affordable access throughout the State toenhanced government information and services, including education, health care,public safety, and other government services.

The commission shall administer the universalservice program, including the establishment of criteria by which the purposesof the program are met. [L 1995, c 225, pt of §2]