49-31-58.   Alternative methods of assigning costs for certain services. If it is determined to be in the public interest, the commission may utilize cost allocation methods other than fully distributed methods as provided for in § 49-31-4 for the assignment of costs among jointly provided noncompetitive services, emerging competitive services, or fully competitive services. In determining whether any alternative method of assigning costs is in the public interest the commission shall consider:

             (1)      The impact of the method on efforts to preserve universal telecommunications service;

             (2)      The extent to which the method will promote competition and facilitate the offering of advanced telecommunications services to all classes of ratepayers throughout the state; and

             (3)      Any other factors that the commission considers relevant to the public interest.

Source: SL 1995, ch 263, § 1.

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