1. (a) This section applies to rules and orders that:

   1. (1) concern telecommunications service or providers of telecommunications service; and
   2. (2) may be adopted or issued by the commission under the authority of state or federal law.

2. (b) Rules and orders described in this section:

   1. (1) may be adopted or issued only after notice and hearing, unless:

      1. (A) the commission acts in accordance with IC 8-1-2-113 during a disaster emergency that is declared by the governor and that requires the commission or a provider to take immediate action to:

         1. (i) prevent injury to the business or interests of the citizens of Indiana; or
         2. (ii) maintain a provider's financial integrity and ability to provide adequate basic telecommunications service;
      2. (B) the commission is authorized under IC 8-1-2 to adopt a particular rule or issue a particular order without the necessity of a hearing; or
      3. (C) after receiving notice of the commission's proposed action, all parties to a proceeding consent to the commission taking action without a hearing; and

   2. (2) must be:

      1. (A) consistent with this chapter; and
      2. (B) in the public interest, as determined by the commission under subsection (d).

3. (c) Rules and orders described in this section must promote one (1) or more of the following:

   1. (1) Cost minimization for providers to the extent that a provider's quality of service and facilities are not diminished.
   2. (2) A more accurate evaluation by the commission of a provider's physical or financial conditions or needs as well as a less costly regulatory procedure for either the provider, the provider's customers, or the commission.
   3. (3) Consumer access to affordable basic telecommunications service.
   4. (4) Development of depreciation guidelines and procedures that recognize technological obsolescence.
   5. (5) Increased provider management efficiency beneficial to customers.
   6. (6) Regulation consistent with a competitive environment.

4. (d) In determining whether the public interest will be served, as required under subsection (b), the commission shall consider:

   1. (1) whether technological change, competitive forces, or regulation by other state and federal regulatory bodies render the exercise of jurisdiction by the commission unnecessary or wasteful;
   2. (2) whether the exercise of commission jurisdiction produces tangible benefits to the customers of providers; and
   3. (3) whether the exercise of commission jurisdiction inhibits a regulated entity from competing with unregulated providers of functionally similar telecommunications services or equipment.

As added by P.L.92-1985, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.27-2006, SEC.19; P.L.107-2014, SEC.2; P.L.36-2026, SEC.6.