66-2006. Lifeline service program; enrollment of existing and eligible customers; withdrawal; universal service fund. (a) On or before January 1, 1997, the commission shall establish the Kansas lifeline service program, hereinafter referred to as the KLSP. The purpose of the KLSP shall be to promote the provision of universal service by local exchange carriers to persons with low income. The KLSP shall be targeted to maintain affordable rates for residential local exchange service. The commission shall approve a means test to determine the eligibility of customers for such low-income assistance.

(b) A local exchange carrier, electing carrier or telecommunications carrier may automatically enroll its existing and eligible customers in the KLSP, subject to the following:

(1) On or before January 1, 2009, the department of social and rehabilitation services, hereinafter referred to as the department, or any other successor state agency, may provide each participating carrier a list of those persons residing in the state that participate in programs which also qualify such persons to receive KLSP services. This listing shall consist of those persons who have consented to the release of their personal information to the KLSP carrier to receive KLSP services and include at a minimum the name, address and telephone number of such persons. Every six months thereafter, the department may provide to each participating carrier an updated list of persons consenting to such KLSP services. The secretary of the department may adopt rules and regulations to coordinate the acquisition and provision of the information to be provided pursuant to this subsection (b).

(2) The participating carrier shall use the list for the sole purpose of identifying those of its existing customers to whom it is currently providing telephone service.

(3) The participating carrier shall discontinue providing KLSP services to an eligible customer if the eligible customer notifies the participating carrier that the customer wishes to discontinue receiving those services.

(4) Each participating carrier receiving customer information pursuant to this subsection (b) shall execute a confidentiality agreement with the department prior to receiving non-public customer eligibility information. The agreement will specify that the customer information is released by the department to the participating carrier for the sole purpose of providing KLSP to eligible customers, and that the information cannot be released or used by the carrier for any other purpose unless authorized by the customer or otherwise required by law.

(c) To generate and facilitate participation in the lifeline service program, provide choice for Kansas consumers, and allow collection of federal lifeline program reimbursements, the KCC shall approve a wireline (non-CMRS) facilities-based telephone service provider's application for eligible telecommunications carrier, hereinafter referred to as the ETC, designation in a nonrural service area for the purpose of receiving low-income federal universal service fund support for participation in the lifeline service program, for the area equal to the applicant provider's own service area, provided the applicant provider meets all other ETC eligibility requirements. The commission, however, may condition that such designation remain consistent with the guidelines of the federal program.

(d) Telecommunications carriers and electing carriers may cease participation in the KLSP at any time upon provision of 90-days prior written notification to the commission. Telecommunications carriers and electing carriers participating in the KLSP shall be eligible to receive KUSF support for KLSP services, but shall not be subject to any regulation by the commission based on such participation other than that provided for in subsection (z) of K.S.A. 66-2005, and amendments thereto.

History: L. 1996, ch. 268, § 7; L. 2008, ch. 122, § 2; L. 2013, ch. 110, § 9; July 1.