The CPUC
develops and implements policies for the telecommunications industry,
including ensuring fair, affordable universal access to necessary services;
developing clear rules of the game and regulatory tools to allow flexibility
without compromising due process; removing barriers that prevent a fully
competitive market; and reducing or eliminating burdensome regulation.
The Communications Division is responsible for licensing,
registration and the processing tariffs of local exchange carriers, competitive
local carriers, and non-dominant interexchange
carriers. It is also responsible for registration of wireless service providers
and franchising of video service providers. The Division tracks compliance with
commission decisions and monitors consumer protection and service issues and
Commission reliability standards for safe and adequate service. The
Communications Division is responsible for oversight and implementation of the
six public purpose Universal Service Programs.
The Division also reviews General
Orders and policies to reflect the emerging competitive environment and
changing regulatory structure for the telecommunications industry. The
Communications Division is responsible for the implementation and oversight of
local competition and competitive issues. The Division reviews, analyzes, and
advises on carrier-to-carrier arrangements and interconnection agreements, as
well as, competitive access issues. The Division responds to utility
applications for mergers, divestitures and acquisitions. The Division also
implements Area Code Policy, equal access reform and analysis on number
resource allocation issues. The Division develops, advises and implements
policy on 911, back-up power and other consumer protection
issues.