- (a) A telecommunications service provider may not refuse service or suspend existing service or disconnect existing service by reason of nonpayment for telephone service by a previous occupant at the premises for which service is sought, or by reason of nonpayment of any amount back-billed due to misapplication of rates provided the applicant enters into a deferred payment plan. The telecommunications service provider shall not disconnect or suspend service without issuing a bill to the end-user for the amount due to the telecommunications service provider in accordance with OAC 165:55-9-4.
- (b) Residential service cannot be suspended or disconnected for failure to pay a bill for a business service.
- (c) Business service cannot be suspended or disconnected for failure to pay a bill for a residential service.
- (d) Service may not be withheld from an end-user whose name was fraudulently used to obtain service at another location without the end-user's permission or knowledge.
- (e) The telecommunications service provider shall not deny service to an end-user for nonpayment of an amount past due for more than three (3) years, if the company cannot substantiate the charges with a copy of the end-user's bill.
- (f) Service shall not be suspended or discontinued to a current end-user in good standing who accepts an additional household member owing a previous bill to the telecommunications service provider, unless that additional household member is listed on the lease arrangements or another utility service as a responsible party, or unless the household member shared service with the end-user at a different or same location.
- (g) No telecommunications service provider shall provide billing and collection for any provider of intrastate telecommunications services who does not have proper authority to operate in the State of Oklahoma.
- (h) Local exchange service shall not be denied or terminated for nonpayment of not-regulated services or disputed charges in accordance with OAC 165:55-9-5, OAC 165:55-11-6, or OAC 165:55-19-3.
Amended at 12 Ok Reg 2143, eff 7-1-95
Amended at 13 Ok Reg 2437, eff 7-1-96
Amended at 16 Ok Reg 2261, eff 7-1-99
Amended at 18 Ok Reg 2415, eff 7-1-01
Amended at 29 Ok Reg 1549, eff 7-12-12