Tex.
Utils. Code Section 55.175
Charge for Local Calls
(a)
The commission shall establish the limit on the amount a provider may charge for a pay telephone coin sent-paid call in the local exchange company’s toll-free calling area.(b)
The commission may establish a statewide ceiling on the amount a provider may charge for a local pay telephone call that is:(1)
collect;(2)
operator assisted; or(3)
paid by credit card or calling card.(c)
The commission may not establish the ceiling under Subsection (b) at an amount that is less than the applicable local rates for such a call imposed by any of the four largest interexchange telecommunications carriers operating in this state.(b)
A provider may impose the fee only if:(1)
the pay telephone is registered with the commission; and(2)
the provider certifies that the pay telephone complies with commission rules regarding the provision of pay telephone service.(c)
Subsection (b) does not apply to a local exchange company pay telephone.(d)
A provider may not impose the fee if imposition is inconsistent with federal law.(e)
A provider may not impose the fee for a:(1)
local call;(2)
911 call;(3)
local directory assistance call; or(4)
call that is covered by the Telephone Operator Consumer Services Improvement Act of 1990 (47 U.S.C. Section 226).(f)
A provider who imposes the fee must post on each pay telephone notice that the fee will be charged. The provider must post the notice:(1)
in plain sight of the user; and(2)
in a manner consistent with existing commission requirements for posting information.(g)
The commission may not impose on a local exchange company the duty or obligation to:(1)
record the use of pay telephone service;(2)
bill or collect for the use of the pay telephone; or(3)
remit to the provider the fee authorized by this section.
Source:
Section 55.175 — Charge for Local Calls, https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/UT/htm/UT.55.htm#55.175
(accessed May 4, 2024).