SECTION 26.107. Registration of Interexchange Carriers (IXCs), Prepaid Calling Services Companies (PPC), and Other Nondominant Telecommunications Carriers

(a) Scope and Purpose. This section applies to the registration of telecommunications utilities (i.e., providers of intralata and interlata long distance telecommunications services, prepaid calling services companies pursuant to §26.34 of this title (relating to Telephone Prepaid Calling Services), and other telecommunications services that do not require certification pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA) Chapter 54, Subchapter C (relating to Certificate of Operating Authority); except as noted in PURA §51.002(10) (relating to Definitions)).

(b) Registration Requirement. Each telecommunications utility not holding a certificate of operating authority (COA) or service provider certificate of operating authority (SPCOA) shall file with the commission the information set forth in paragraphs (1) - (5) of this subsection no later than the 30th day after commencing service in the State of Texas. A registered telecommunications utility must report to the commission any changes to the information provided in its registration within 30 days of the change.

(1) Registered Name. A telecommunications utility may register in only one name:

(A) The applicant shall provide the date the requested name was accepted, the certification/file number assigned to the applicant and any assumed names registered with the Office of the Secretary of State or the registration of assumed names in another state or county, as applicable.

(B) The requested name shall not be deceptive, misleading, vague, or duplicative of an existing certificated telecommunications utility (CTU) or other existing registrants.

(C) Commission staff will review any name in which the applicant proposes to do business. If staff determines that any requested name does not meet the requirements of subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, it shall notify the applicant that the requested name may not be used by the applicant. The applicant will be required to provide at least one suitable name in order to be registered.

(2) Registration Number. The commission will assign a PUC registration number to each new registrant upon completion of the registration process;

(3) Contact Information. Contact information must include, but not be limited to: business office information (contact's name, contact's title, business and mailing address, primary phone number, fax number and primary email address), complaint contact, regulatory contact, primary and secondary emergency contacts and a toll-free customer service number;

(4) Federal Carrier Identification. Registrant must provide the FCC Carrier Identification Code (CIC) or National Exchange Carriers Association (NECA) Operating Carrier Numbers (OCNs), if available; and

(5) Telecommunications Affiliates. Registrant must provide a list of all telecommunications affiliates that operate in Texas with a description of the relationship to the registrant, and an organizational chart, if available.

(c) Re-Registration. Registrations subject to this section expire on May 1st of each odd-numbered year. Each registrant subject to this section must re-register with the commission between January 1st and April 30th of each odd-numbered year by electronically submitting the required form in the manner established by the commission. A registration that is renewed during the period from January 1 to April 30 of an odd-numbered year is extended for another two years. A registration that is not renewed is no longer valid.

(d) Amendments to Registration.

(1) Name change. If a registrant proposes to change its name, it must file a written notification and provide at a minimum: its current registered name and registration number, the new registered name, and an explanation for the requested name change.

(2) Cancellation of a Registration. If a registrant proposes to cancel its registration it must file a written notification and provide at a minimum: its current registered name, registration number, and explanation of the requested cancellation. The explanation of the cancellation must include the disposition of all affected customers, whether notice was provided to customers, a copy of the notice provided to customers, whether any credits or deposits are outstanding, and the disposition of credits or deposits.

(e) Required Reports.

(1) Updates to contact information. All registrants subject to this section shall annually submit updated contact information in the manner established by the commission.

(2) All registrants subject to this section shall comply with the reporting requirements in PURA and other sections of this title, including but not limited to: §26.89 of this title (relating to Information Regarding Rates and Services of Nondominant Carriers).

(f) Revocation or Suspension. The commission may suspend or revoke the registration pursuant to PURA Chapter 17, if the commission finds that a registrant is in violation of PURA or commission rules.

Source Note: The provisions of this §26.107 adopted to be effective December 13, 2010, 35 TexReg 10945