An applicant requesting designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier and not a wireless lifeline-only designation, shall submit a two-year plan that details proposed improvements or upgrades to the applicant's network on a wire center-by-wire center basis throughout its proposed designated service area. Each applicant shall demonstrate within its application the following on a wire center-by-wire center basis:

1. (1) How service quality, signal quality, coverage, or capacity will improve due to the receipt of high-cost support;
2. (2) The projected start date and completion date for each improvement and the estimated amount of investment for each project that is funded by high-cost support;
3. (3) The specific geographic areas where the improvement is to be made; and
4. (4) The estimated population that is to be served as a result of the improvements. If an applicant determines that service improvements in a particular wire center are not needed, the applicant must explain its basis for this determination and demonstrate how funding is to be otherwise used to further the provision of supported services in that area.

Source: 32 SDR 231, effective July 10, 2006 ; 52 SDR 32, effective September 29, 2025 .

General Authority: SDCL 49-31-3 , 49-31-76 , 49-31-77 , 49-31-81 .

Law Implemented: SDCL 49-31-3 , 49-31-76 , 49-31-78 .

Prior versions effective: 2006-07-10.