Sec. 314b.

(1) Except as otherwise provided by this section, a telecommunication provider shall not discontinue basic local exchange telecommunication service to a residence of a person who is certified as deaf or hard of hearing, or speech-impaired by a licensed physician, licensed audiologist, or qualified state agency, who has made a filing under this section.

(2) A deaf or hard of hearing, or speech-impaired customer may apply for shut-off protection for telecommunication services under this section by notifying the provider that the deaf or hard of hearing, or speech-impaired customer is in need of assistance caused by a reduction in household income.

(3) A provider of service may request verification of the reduction in household income from the deaf or hard of hearing, or speech-impaired customer.

(4) A provider of service may require restrictions or elimination of calling features or toll service as a condition of granting a deaf or hard of hearing, or speech-impaired customer's request for shut-off protection under this section. The provider shall not restrict the deaf or hard of hearing, or speech-impaired customer's access to a telecommunication relay service required under section 315.

(5) A deaf or hard of hearing, or speech-impaired customer may receive shut-off protection from the provider of service under this section for up to 90 days. Upon application to the provider, the provider may grant the qualifying customer 1 or more extensions.

(6) Unless waived by the provider, the shut-off protection provided under this section does not void or limit the obligation of the qualifying customer to pay for telecommunication services received during the time of assistance.

(7) Within 48 hours of receiving all information requested of the deaf or hard of hearing, or speech-impaired customer, a provider shall do all of the following:

(a) Create a repayment plan requiring minimum monthly payments that allows the deaf or hard of hearing, or speech-impaired customer to pay any past due amounts over a reasonable time period not to exceed 1 year.

(b) Provide a deaf or hard of hearing, or speech-impaired customer with information regarding any governmental, provider, or other assistance programs.

(8) This section does not affect or amend any commission rules or orders pertaining to billing standards. If the terms and conditions arranged by the provider with the deaf or hard of hearing, or speech-impaired customer under subsection (7) are not followed by the customer, then the provider shall follow procedures as set forth in the commission's billing standards for basic residential telecommunication service.

History: Add. 2005, Act 235, Imd. Eff. Nov. 22, 2005