The legislature finds that

1. (1) modern, affordable, efficient, and universally available local and long distance telephone service is essential to the people of the state;
2. (2) facilities based, long distance telephone service should be provided competitively wherever possible;
3. (3) technological advances, reduced costs, and increased consumer choices for long distance telephone service, resulting from the adoption of an appropriate competitive market structure, will enhance the state's economic development;
4. (4) the benefits of competition in long distance telephone service should be shared by consumers throughout the state;
5. (5) the commission should oversee competition in long distance telephone service to ensure that the competition is fair to consumers and competitors;
6. (6) the commission should provide for competition in a timely manner and should adopt regulations that eliminate inappropriate impediments to entry for long distance carriers fit, willing, and able to provide service.