Regulatory policy should recognize that:

1. (1) there are differences between small and large incumbent local exchange companies;
2. (2) there are a large number of customer-owned telephone cooperatives and small, locally owned investor companies; and

3. (3) it is appropriate to provide incentives and flexibility to allow an incumbent local exchange company that serves a rural area to:

   1. (A) provide existing services; and
   2. (B) introduce new technology and new services in a prompt, efficient, and economical manner.

Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 166, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.