46-5-161. Legislative findings; intent.

The General Assembly finds:#

1. (1)

   It is in the public interest to establish a new regulatory model for telecommunications services in Georgia to reflect the transition to a reliance on market based competition as the best mechanism for the selection and provision of needed telecommunications services at the most efficient pricing;#

2. (2)

   Investment in the telecommunications infrastructure required to further economic growth in Georgia and to meet the growing demands of Georgia’s consumers will be encouraged through competition; and#

3. (3)

   In order to ensure the implementation of this new reliance on market based competition, any legislative obstacles to competition for local exchange services must be removed.#

It is the intent of this article to:#

1. (1)

   Permit local exchange companies to elect alternative forms of regulation;#

2. (2)

   Protect the consumer during the transition to a competitive telecommunications market;#

3. (3)

   Assure reasonable cost for universal access to basic telecommunications services throughout Georgia;#

4. (4)

   Encourage investment in Georgia’s telecommunications infrastructure and encourage the introduction of innovative products and services for Georgia’s consumers;#

5. (5)

   Authorize competition for local exchange services; and#

6. (6)

   Allow pricing flexibility for all telecommunications services other than basic local exchange services.#