§ 4-301. Telephone companies -- Alternative form of regulation

   (a) In general. -- Notwithstanding § 4-101 of this title or any other law to the contrary, the Commission may regulate a telephone company through alternative forms of regulation.

(b) Required findings. -- The Commission may adopt an alternative form of regulation under this section if the Commission finds, after notice and hearing, that the alternative form of regulation:

   (1) protects consumers by, at a minimum:

      (i) producing affordable and reasonably priced basic local exchange service, as defined by the Commission; and

      (ii) ensuring the quality, availability, and reliability of telecommunications services throughout the State;

   (2) encourages the development of competition; and

   (3) is in the public interest.

(c) Alternative forms of regulation. -- An alternative form of regulation may include:

   (1) price regulation;

   (2) revenue regulation;

   (3) ranges of authorized return;

   (4) rate of return;

   (5) categories of services; or

   (6) price indexing.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 78, § 69(e); 1998, ch. 8, § 2; ch. 653.