§ 40-15-501 — Legislative declaration - purpose and scope of part

(1) The
general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that competition in the
market for basic local exchange service will increase the choices available to
customers and reduce the costs of such service. Accordingly, it is the policy of the
state of Colorado to encourage competition in this market and strive to ensure that
all consumers benefit from such increased competition. The commission is
encouraged, where competition is not immediately possible, to utilize other interim
marketplace mechanisms wherever possible, with the ultimate goal of replacing the
regulatory framework established in part 2 of this article with a fully competitive
telecommunications marketplace statewide as contemplated in this part 5.

(2) The general assembly further finds, determines, and declares that:

(a) Wise public policy relating to the telecommunications industry and the
other crucial services it provides is in the interest of Colorado and its citizens;

(b) Sound and well-informed decisions need to be made on a continuing
basis to ensure that the benefits of existing and new telecommunications services
continue to be available to the greatest number of Colorado citizens;

(c) The involvement of telecommunications providers and others with
experience and expertise in the area of telecommunications is essential to keep
legislators informed of developing technology and evolving markets, thus to avoid
costly errors and enhance the efficiency of the state's growing telecommunications
network; and

(d) The rural nature of Colorado requires that special rules and support
mechanisms be adopted to achieve the goal of ensuring that universal basic local
exchange service be available to all residents of the state at reasonable rates.
Rules adopted by the commission under this part 5 shall be designed to achieve this
goal.

(3) This part 5 is enacted for the following purposes:

(a) To set forth, in concise fashion, the policy of this state in specific subject
matter areas within the general topic of telecommunications, both for the guidance
of the commission in carrying out its duties under this article and for the
information of the citizens of Colorado;

(b) To create a framework for the identification of other subject matter areas
should the need arise, the formulation of suggested policies in areas in which a
policy direction has not yet been stated, and the reaching of consensus, wherever
possible, among parties affected by such policies so as to minimize conflicts, ease
the commission's considerable workload, and enhance the efficient delivery of
telecommunications services to the public; and

(c) To adapt the regulatory structure of parts 2, 3, and 4 of this article to
accommodate multiple providers of telecommunications services and to permit
alternate forms of regulation for providers of local exchange service.

Legislative History

Source: L. 95: Entire part added, p. 746, � 1, effective May 24. L. 2014: (3)(c) amended, (HB 14-1331), ch. 152, p. 529, � 10, effective May 9.