OUS Fund - Definitions

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As used in the Oregon Universal Service (OUS) program, the following classifications and definitions apply:

Classification of providers:

1. "Radio common carrier" (RCC) means any corporation, company, association, partnership or person providing, or making available facilities to provide, radio communications service, radio paging service, commercial mobile radio service, personal communications service or cellular communications service for hire. (ORS 759.005(e))

2. "Telecommunications service provider" (TSP) means any corporation, company, association, partnership or person providing, or making available facilities to provide, telecommunications services for hire. This classification includes telecommunications utilities and competitive telecommunications providers. (OAR 860-032-001(10)) This classification excludes RCCs except when the RCC elects to participate in and becomes eligible for OUS support. (ORS 759.425(7)(a))

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Classification of TSPs: (OAR 860-032-0010)

3. "Competitive telecommunications service provider" is a TSP classified as such (i.e., has a certificate of authority) by the Public Utility Commission of Oregon (PUC) under ORS 759.020. (ORS 759.005(2)(a))

4. "Telecommunications utility" is a TSP who is not classified as a competitive telecommunications service provider under ORS 759.020. For purposes of the OUS program, this classification includes cooperatives. (OAR 860-032-0001(12))

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Depending upon the services authorized, a TSP may be subcategorized as:

5. "Shared telecommunications service provider" (STS) is a TSP authorized to provide shared telecommunications service to a specific location or contiguous area such as a high-rise, building complex, or campus as defined in ORS 759.005(2)(f). See also OAR 860-032-0001(9).

6. "Local exchange carrier" (LEC) is a TSP authorized to provide local exchange telecommunications service or exchange access service. (Federal Telecommunications Act Definitions—Section 3)

7. "Interexchange carrier" (IXC) is a TSP authorized to provide long distance telecommunications service between exchanges.

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Classification of LECs:

8. "Incumbent LEC" is a telecommunications utility authorized to provide local exchange or exchange access services.

9. "Competitive LEC" is a competitive telecommunications service provider authorized to provide local exchange or exchange access services.

10. "Eligible LEC" is a LEC authorized by the PUC to receive universal service support. (Federal Telecommunications Act, Section 214)

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Classification of telecommunications services:

11. "Telecommunications service" means two-way switched access and/or transport of voice and voice capable communications, including all services provided in connection with such services. It excludes (a) services provided by RCCs, (b) one-way transmission of television signals, (c) surveying, (d) private telecommunications network, and (e) customer communications that take place on the customer’s side of the network interface. (OAR 860-032-0001(11) and PUC Order 92-345)

12. "Local exchange telecommunications service" or local telephone service includes both switched and nonswitched telecommunications services, including related services, provided within the boundaries of exchange maps filed with and approved by the PUC. (ORS 759.005(2)(c)

13. "Exchange access service" means the services and facilities provided for the origination or termination of interexchange long distance telecommunications. (47 CFR 69.2)

14. "Interexchange long distance telecommunications service" includes both switched and nonswitched telecommunications services and related services between exchanges.  

15. "Intrastate telecommunications service" means any telecommunications service in which the information transmitted originates and terminates within the boundaries of the State of Oregon. (ORS 759.005(2)(b))

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