25-4.003. Definitions

For the purpose of Chapter 25-4, F.A.C., the definitions of the following terms apply:

(1) “Access Line”. The circuit or channel between the demarcation point at the customer’s premises and the serving end or class 5 central office.

(2) “Call.” An attempted telephone message.

(3) “Central Office.” A location where there is an assembly of equipment that establishes the connections between subscriber access lines, trunks, switched access circuits, private line facilities, and special access facilities with the rest of the telephone network.

(4) “Certificate of Authority.”  Certificates received by all companies providing telecommunications services after July 1, 2011.

(5) “Certificate of Necessity.”  Certificate received by all incumbent local exchange companies, shared tenant service providers, alternative access vendors, competitive local exchange companies, and pay telephone service providers to provide telecommunication services prior to July 1, 2011.

(6) “Company,” “Telecommunications Company,”or “Telephone Company.” These terms may be used interchangeably herein and shall mean “telecommunications company” as defined in Section 364.02(13), F.S.

(7) “Exchange.” A central office or group of central offices with the subscriber’s stations and lines connected, forming a local system which furnishes means of telephonic intercommunication without toll charges between subscribers within a specified area.

(8) “Local Provider (LP).” Any telecommunications company providing local telecommunications service, excluding pay telephone providers and call aggregators.

(9) “Message.” A completed telephone call.

(10) “Number Portability.” Consumer’s ability to change providers and still keep the same phone number. 

(11) “Pay Telephone Service Provider.” Any telecommunications company that provides pay telephone service as defined in Section 364.3375, F.S.

(12) “PC-Freeze.” (Preferred Carrier Freeze) A service offered that restricts the customer’s carrier selection until further notice from the customer.

(13) “Provider.” Any entity providing telecommunication service, excluding pay telephone providers and call aggregators (i.e., local, local toll, and toll providers).

(14) “Station.” A telephone instrument consisting of a transmitter, receiver, and associated apparatus so connected as to permit sending or receiving telephone messages.

(15) “Subscriber” or “Customer.” These terms may be used interchangeably herein and shall mean any person, firm, partnership, corporation, municipality, cooperative organization, or governmental agency supplied with telecommunications service by a telecommunications company.

Rulemaking Authority 350.127(2) FS. Law Implemented 364.01, 364.02, 364.16, 364.32, 364.335, 364.3375 FS. History–New 12-1-68, Amended 3-31-76, Formerly 25-4.03, Amended 2-23-87, 3-4-92, 12-21-93, 3-10-96, 12-28-98, 7-5-00, 4-3-05, Repromulgated 5-8-05, Amended 11-20-08, 11-13-14.