As used in this article:

1. (1) "Government-owned telecommunications service provider" means a state or local political subdivision or person or entity providing telecommunications service to the public for hire over a facility, operation, or system that is directly or indirectly owned by, operated by, or a financial benefit obtained by or derived from, an agency or entity of the State or any local government. "Government-owned telecommunications service provider' does not include the State Budget and Control Board for services provided as of this article's effective date.

   The term "government-owned telecommunications service provider" does not include any state or local governmental entity or agency that obtains or derives financial benefit solely from leasing or renting, to any person or entity, property that is not, in and of itself, a facility used to provide telecommunications service.

2. (2) "Telecommunications service" for the purpose of this section is defined in Section 58-9-2200(1).
3. (3) "Person" as defined in Section 58-9-10(4) includes a "government-owned telecommunications service provider".
4. (4) "Public" means the public generally or any limited portion of the public, including a person or corporation. The term "public" excludes governmental agencies or entities when they receive telecommunications service from the Budget and Control Board pursuant to its statutory authority or other legal requirements.

HISTORY: 2002 Act No. 360, Section 1A, eff July 1, 2002.