1. (a) A hearing is not required in connection with the issuance of a certificate under this chapter. However, the commission shall conduct a hearing, subject to the requirements for hearings under IC 8-1-2 for public utilities, upon the request of any of the following:

   1. (1) The communications service provider submitting the application.
   2. (2) Any facilities based local exchange carrier offering service in a service area identified in the provider's application under section 6(a)(4) of this chapter.
   3. (3) The office of utility consumer counselor created by IC 8-1-1.1-2 .
   4. (4) The commission, on its own motion.

2. (b) A hearing conducted under this section shall be limited to consideration of one (1) or more of the following issues:

   1. (1) Whether the application and documents submitted under section 6 of this chapter are accurate, complete, and properly verified.
   2. (2) The communications service provider's financial, managerial, and technical ability to provide the communications service for which it seeks a certificate under this chapter.

3. (c) The commission may not require a:

   1. (1) communications service provider; or

   2. (2) facilities based local exchange carrier offering service in a service area identified in the provider's application under section 6(a)(4) of this chapter;

      to be represented by counsel at a hearing under this section.

As added by P.L.27-2006, SEC.55.