Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs)

Telecommunications companies seeking federal support must be designated as eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) in the geographic service area for which the company seeks support for voice service and must file an application with the Commission.

The content of the application must include the information required by rule 723-2-2002(b) and 723-2-2187. The applicant must meet the requirements and certify to certain threshold conditions required in 47 C.F.R. 54.201 and § 54.202. The applicant may attach a list of the underlying facilities-based providers exchange name and CLLI code to its application in order to define its geographic service area it is seeking ETC designation. A demonstration must be made that consumer protection and service quality standards will be met and that the applicant has the ability to remain functional in emergency situations. Once an applicant is designated as an ETC, the ETC is subject to reporting requirements as outlined in rule 723-2-2187(f).

Companies seeking state high cost support must be designated as an ETC as a prerequisite before seeking designation as an eligible provider (EP). The application seeking EP designation may be filed contemporaneously with an application seeking ETC. The application seeking designation as an EP must contain information as outlined in rule 723-2-2847 and 723-2-2002(b). The applicant must acknowledge that it will offer basic local exchange service within one year of the Commission order approving its application or its EP designation will become null and void.

The applicant must provide detailed financial information attached to its application in order to determine that the provider is not receiving funds from the high cost fund or any other source that together with revenues, exceed the reasonable cost of providing basic local exchange service to its end users. The provider may file the financial information as confidential in accordance with rule 723-2-2412.

Providers who rely solely through resale of services from a facilities-based provider are not eligible to receive high cost support in Colorado.

All applications must be filed by an attorney licensed to practice in Colorado per rule 723-1-1201(a) and or who may be admitted to practice in Colorado pro hac vice as set forth in Colo.R.Civ.P. 205.3. The Commission will provide notice of the Application and establish an intervention period for interested parties. Applicants may file the application through the Commission's Electronic Filings (E-Filings) system.