This Tariff, Rhode Island P.U.C. Tariff No. 3, replaces Granite Telecommunications, LLC s Rhode Island P.U.C. Tariff No. 1, in its entirety.

Transcription

1 Original Title Sheet RHODE ISLAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS TARIFF OF GRANITE TELECOMMUNICATIONS, LLC, Quincy, MA COMPETITIVE LOCAL AND INTEREXCHANGE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES This Tariff, Rhode Island P.U.C. Tariff No. 3, replaces Granite Telecommunications, LLC s Rhode Island P.U.C. Tariff No. 1, in its entirety. This Tariff contains the descriptions, regulations, and rates applicable to the furnishing of competitive, presubscribed local exchange and interexchange telecommunications services provided by Granite Telecommunications, LLC ( Company ) within the State of Rhode Island. This Tariff is on file with the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission ( Commission ). Copies may be inspected during normal business hours at Company s principal place of business,,.

2 Second Revised Sheet No. 1 Canceling First Revised Sheet No. 1 CHECK SHEET The sheets of this tariff are effective as of the date shown. The original and revised sheets named below contain all changes from the original tariff and are in effect on the date shown. An asterisk appearing next to the Sheet Version indicates sheets included with the filing made on the issue date appearing at the bottom of this sheet. (T) (T) Sheet No. Sheet Version Sheet No. Sheet Version Title Original 31 Original 1 Second* 32 Original 2 Original 33 Original 3 First* 34 Original 4 Original 35 First 5 Original 36 First 6 Original 37 First 7 Original 38 First 8 Original 39 First 9 Original 40 First 10 Original 41 First 11 Original 41.1 Original 12 Original 41.2 Original 13 Original 42 First 14 Original 42.1 Original 15 Original 43 First 16 Original 44 First 17 Original 44.1 Original 18 Original 45 Original 19 Original 46 Original 20 Original 47 Original 21 Original 48 Original* 22 Original 23 Original 24 Original 25 Original 26 Original 27 Original 28 Original 29 Original 30 Original Issued: September 26, 2017 Effective: October 27, 2017

3 Original Sheet No. 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Title Sheet... Title Check Sheet...1 Table of Contents...2 Concurring, Connecting and Participating Carriers...4 Explanation of Symbols...4 Tariff Format...5 Application of Tariff...6 Section 1 - Technical Terms and Abbreviations...7 Section 2 - Rules and Regulations Undertaking of Company Limitations Use Liabilities of Company Equipment and Facilities Customer Responsibilities Allowances for Interruptions in Service Restoration of Service Minimum Service Period Early Contract Termination Penalties Payments and Billing Cancellation by Customer Cancellation by Company Interconnection Deposits Taxes...27 Section 3 - Description of Services Timing of Calls Calculation of Distance Service Area Granite Local Exchange Services Granite Interexchange Services Enhanced 911 (E911) Emergency Service Promotional Offerings Individual Case Basis (ICB) Arrangements...34

4 First Revised Sheet No. 3 Canceling Original Sheet No. 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS, Continued Section 4 Local Exchange Service Rates and Charges...35 Section 5 Exchange Areas and Rate Groups...45 Section 6 Interexchange Service Rates and Charges...46 Section 7 Federal Government Service Agreements...48 Issued: September 26, 2017 Effective: October 27, 2017

5 Original Sheet No. 4 CONCURRING CARRIERS None CONNECTING CARRIERS None OTHER PARTICIPATING CARRIERS None EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS (C) (D) (M) (R) (T) To signify changed condition or regulation. To signify deleted or discontinued rate, regulation or condition. To signify a change resulting in an increase to a Customer s bill. To signify that material has been moved from another tariff location. To signify a new rate, regulation condition or Sheet. To signify a change resulting in a reduction to a Customer s bill. To signify a change in text but no change to rate or charge.

6 Original Sheet No. 5 TARIFF FORMAT A. Sheet Numbering - Sheet numbers appear in the upper right corner of the sheet. Sheets are numbered sequentially. However, occasionally, when a new sheet is added between sheets already in effect, a decimal is added. For example, a new sheet added between Sheet No 14 and Sheet No. 15 would be Sheet No B. Sheet Revision Numbers - Revision numbers also appear in the upper right corner of each sheet. These numbers are used to determine the most current sheet version on file with the Commission. For example, the Fourth Revised Sheet No. 14 Cancels Third Revised Sheet No. 14. Because of various suspension periods, deferrals, etc. the Commission follows in its tariff approval process, the most current sheet number on file with the Commission is not always the sheet in effect. Consult the Check Sheet for the sheet currently in effect. C. Paragraph Numbering Sequence There are nine levels of paragraph coding. Each level of is subservient to its next higher level: A A A.1.(a) A.1.(a).I A.1.(a).I.(i) A.1.(a).I.(i).(1). D. Check Sheets - When a tariff filing is made with the Commission, an updated Check Sheet accompanies the tariff filing. The Check Sheet lists the sheets contained in the tariff with a cross-reference to the current revision number. When new sheets are added, the Check Sheet is changed to reflect the revision. All revisions made in a given filing are designated by and asterisk (*). There will be no other symbols used on this sheet if these are the only changes made to it (i.e., the format, etc., remains the same, just revised revision levels on some sheets). The tariff user should refer to the latest Check Sheet to find if a particular sheet is the most current on file with the Commission.

7 Original Sheet No. 6 APPLICATION OF TARIFF A. This Tariff schedule sets forth the service offerings, rates, terms and conditions applicable to the furnishing of intrastate telecommunications services offered by Granite Telecommunications, LLC to Customers located within the State of Rhode Island. B. The rates and regulations contained in this Tariff apply only to the intrastate telecommunications Services furnished by Company and do not apply, unless otherwise specified, to the lines, facilities, or the services provided by any other Local Exchange Carrier or common Carrier for use in accessing the Services of Company. This Tariff does not cover any information service or other unregulated service offered by Company. Company will offer any information or other unregulated service in accordance with Company s current price list or contract, whichever applies to the particular customer. C. Company may not be deemed to have waived or impaired any right, power, requirement or option reserved by this Tariff (including, but not limited to, the right to demand exact compliance with every term and condition herein), by virtue of any custom or practice of Company at variance with the terms hereof, or any failure, refusal or neglect of Company to exercise any right under this Tariff or to insist upon exact compliance with its terms, or any waiver, forbearance, delay, failure or omission by Company to exercise any right, power or option hereunder. D. The rates, rules, terms and conditions contained herein are subject to change pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Commission. E. This Tariff will be maintained and made available for inspection by any Customer at Granite Telecommunications, LLC s principal business office at 100 Newport Avenue Extension,.

8 Original Sheet No. 7 SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS Certain terms used generally throughout this Tariff are defined below: Account Code: A numerical code, one or more of which are available to a Customer to enable identification of individual users or groups of users on an account and to allocate costs of service accordingly. Authorized User: A person, firm, corporation or other entity that either is authorized by the Customer to use local exchange service or is placed in a position by the Customer, either through acts or omissions, to use local exchange service. Business Service: Called Station: A service which conforms to one or more of the following criteria: A. used primarily for paid commercial, professional or institutional activity; or B. the service is situated in a commercial, professional or institutional location, or other location serving primarily or substantially as a site of an activity for pay; or C. the service number is listed as the principal or only number for a business in any telecommunications directory; or D. the service is used to conduct promotions, solicitations, or market research for which compensation or reimbursement is paid or provided. However, such use of service, without compensation or reimbursement, for a charitable or civic purpose will not constitute business use of service unless other criteria apply. The terminating point of a call (i.e., the called number).

9 Original Sheet No. 8 Calling Card: SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS, Continued A card issued by Company containing such account numbers assigned to its Customer which enables the charges for calls made to be properly billed on a pre-arranged basis. Carrier or Common Carrier: Channel: Collect Call: Commission: Any individual, partnership, association, corporation or other entity engaged in intrastate communication for hire by wire or radio between two or more exchanges. A communications path between two or more points of termination. Provides the Customer with the capability to charge a call to the called party. On the operator announcement of a collect call, the called party has the option to refuse acceptance of charges in advance or when queried by the operator. The Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission Commitment Period: Company: Customer: The time period stated in a Customer contract wherein the Customer is obligated to continue service with the Company in accordance with the terms of the Contract. Granite Telecommunications, LLC ( Granite ) The person, firm, corporation or other entity which orders or uses service and is responsible for payment of charges and compliance with tariff regulation.

10 Original Sheet No. 9 SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS, Continued Dedicated Access: Non-switched access between a Customer s premises and the point of presence of the Company s underlying carrier. Disconnect or Disconnection: The termination of a circuit connection between the originating station and the called station or the Company s operator. Interexchange Carrier: LATA: A Company which furnishes interlata intrastate long distance telecommunications service. Local Access and Transport Area (LATA). A geographic area established for the provision and administration of communications service. A LATA encompasses designated exchanges, which are grouped to serve common social, economic and other purposes. Local Exchange Carrier: A Company which furnishes local exchange telecommunications service. Measured Service: The provision of long distance measured time communications telephone service to customers who access the Company s service at its contracted interexchange carriers switching and call processing equipment by means of access facilities obtained from local exchange common carrier(s). Company contracted interexchange carrier is responsible for arranging the access lines. Message Unit: One Message Unit equals five (5) minutes.

11 Original Sheet No. 10 Point of Presence: Premises: SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS, Continued The point of physical interconnection between the local exchange company s local network and the interexchange carrier s network ( POP ). A building or buildings or contiguous property, not separated by a public highway or right-of-way. Prepaid Calling Card: Station: Subscriber: Trunk: A card purchased by subscribers who than access the Company s switched access network via a toll free number. The user s account is credited for the amount of calling purchased and is debited as the subscriber places calls, until the account balance is depleted. Each telephone on a line where no telephone associated with the line is provided on the same premises and in the same building; the first termination in station key equipment or a jack for use with a portable telephone. See Customer definition. A communications path connecting two switching systems in a network, used in the establishment of an end-to-end connection. V & H Coordinates: Geographic points which define the originating and terminating points of call in mathematical terms so that the airline mileage of the call may be determined. Call mileage is used for the purpose of rating calls.

12 Original Sheet No UNDERTAKING OF COMPANY SECTION 2 - RULES AND REGULATIONS Company undertakes to provide Services subject to the terms and conditions of this Tariff Company s Services are furnished for telecommunications originating and/or terminating in any area within the State of Rhode Island Company offers Services to Customers for the transmission and reception of voice, data, and other types of communications Company does not transmit messages pursuant to this Tariff, but its Services may be used for that purpose Company s Services are provided on a monthly basis unless otherwise provided, and are available twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week Company may, at Company s sole discretion, elect to employ third parties to perform any of its obligations under this Tariff.

13 Original Sheet No LIMITATIONS SECTION 2 - RULES AND REGULATIONS, Continued Service is offered subject to availability of the necessary facilities and/or equipment and subject to the provisions of this Tariff Company reserves the right to immediately disconnect service without incurring liability when necessitated by conditions beyond the Company s control or when the Customer is using the service in violation of either the provisions of this Tariff or Commission rules The Customer obtains no property right or interest in the use of any specific type of facility, service, equipment, telephone number, process or code. All rights, titles and interests remain, at all times, solely with the Company Prior written permission from the Company is required before any assignment or transfer. All regulations and conditions contained in this Tariff shall apply to all such permitted assignees or transferees, as well as all conditions of service The Company may, upon reasonable notice, make such tests and inspections as may be necessary to determine whether the terms and conditions of this Tariff are being complied with in the installation, operation or maintenance of the Customer s or the Company s facilities or equipment.

14 Original Sheet No USE SECTION 2 - RULES AND REGULATIONS, Continued Service may be used for the transmission of communications by the Customer for any lawful purpose for which the service is technically suited Service may not be used for any unlawful purpose or for any purpose for which any payment or other compensation is received by the Customer, except when the Customer is a duly authorized and regulated common carrier. This provision does not prohibit an arrangement between the Customer, authorized user or joint user to share the cost of service Recording of telephone conversations of service provided by the Company under this Tariff is prohibited except as authorized by applicable federal, state and local laws The Company strictly prohibits use of the Company s services without payment or an avoidance of payment by the Customer by fraudulent means or devices including providing falsified calling card numbers or invalid calling card numbers to the Company, providing falsified or invalid credit card numbers to the Company or in any way misrepresenting the identity of the Customer A Business Customer may extend service capable of two-way communications to the location of another Business Customer for the purpose of performing clerical services, which include the answering and originating of telephone calls. All regulations governing the use of service and the charges normally associated with the provision of service are applicable Service will not be used to call another person so frequently or at such times of day or in any other manner so as to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass the called party Service will not be used in any manner which interferes with other persons in the use of their service, prevents other persons from using their service or otherwise impairs the quality of service to other Customers The Company reserves the right to refuse an application for service made by a present or former Customer who is indebted to the Company for service previously rendered pursuant to this Tariff until the indebtedness is satisfied.

15 Original Sheet No. 14 SECTION 2 - RULES AND REGULATIONS, Continued 2.4. LIABILITIES OF THE COMPANY The liability of the Company for damages arising out of mistakes, omissions, interruptions, delays, errors, or defects in transmission occurring in the course of furnishing service or other facilities and not caused by the negligence of the Customer, commences upon activation of service and in no event exceeds an amount equivalent to the proportionate charge to the Customer for the period of service during which such mistakes, omissions, interruptions, delays, errors, or defects in transmission occur. In no event will the Company be responsible for consequential damages for lost profits suffered by a Customer or end user as the result of interrupted or unsatisfactory service. For the purpose of computing such amount, a month is considered to have thirty (30) days Company is not liable for any act or omission of any other company or companies furnishing a portion of the service Company shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Customer against: A. Claims for libel, slander, infringement of copyright or unauthorized use of any trademark, trade name or service mark arising out of the material, data, information or other content transmitted over Company s facilities; and B. Claims for patent infringement arising from combining or connecting Company s facilities with apparatus and systems of the Customer; and C. All other claims arising out of any act or omission of the Customer in connection with any service provided by Company The Company is not liable for any defacement of, or damage to, the equipment or premises of a Customer resulting from the furnishing of services when such defacement or damage is not the result of the Company s negligence No agents or employees of connecting, concurring or other participating carriers or companies shall be deemed to be agents or employees of the Company without written authorization.

16 Original Sheet No. 15 SECTION 2 - RULES AND REGULATIONS, Continued 2.4. LIABILITIES OF THE COMPANY, Continued Company shall not be liable for and the Customer indemnifies and holds harmless from any and all loss claims, demands, suits, or other actions or liabilities whatsoever, whether suffered, made, instituted or asserted by the Customer or by any other party or person, for any personal injury to, death of any person or persons, and for any loss, damage, defacement or destruction of the premises of the Customer or any other property, whether owned by the Customer or by others, caused or claimed to have been caused directly or indirectly by the installation, operation, failure to operate, maintenance, removal, presence, condition, location or use of equipment or wiring provided by Company where such installation, operation, failure to operate, maintenance, condition, location or use is not the direct result of the Company s negligence The Company is not liable for any failure of performance hereunder due to causes beyond its control, including, but not limited to, unavoidable interruption in the working of its circuits or those of another common carrier; acts of God, storms, fire, floods, or other catastrophes; any law, order, regulation, direction, action, or request of the United States Government, or any other governmental entity having jurisdiction over the Company or of any Commission, agency, commission, bureau, corporation, or other instrumentality or any one or more of such instrumentality or any one or more of such governmental entities, or of any civil or military authority; national emergencies, insurrections, riots, rebellions, wars, strikes, lockouts, work stoppages, or other labor difficulties; or notwithstanding anything in this Tariff to the contrary, the unlawful acts of the Company s agents and employees, if committed beyond the scope of their employment The Company shall not be liable for the Customer s failure to fulfill its obligations to take all necessary steps, including obtaining, installing and maintaining all necessary equipment, materials and supplies for interconnecting the terminal equipment or communications system of the Customer, or any third party acting as the Customer s agent, to the Company s network The Company shall not be liable for damages or adjustments, refunds, or cancellation of charges unless the Customer has notified the Company, in writing, of any dispute concerning charges, or the basis of any claim for damages, after the invoice is rendered by the Company for the call giving rise to such dispute or claim, unless ordered by the Commission pursuant to Rhode Island law. Any such notice must set forth sufficient facts to provide the Company with a reasonable basis upon which to evaluate the Customer s claims or demands.

17 Original Sheet No. 16 SECTION 2 - RULES AND REGULATIONS, Continued 2.4. LIABILITIES OF THE COMPANY, Continued The Company shall not be liable for any damages, including usage charges, that the Customer may incur as a result of the unauthorized use of its communications equipment. The unauthorized use of the Customer s communications equipment includes, but is not limited to, the placement of calls from the Customer s premises and the placement of calls through Customer-controlled or Customer-provisioned equipment that are transmitted or carried over the Company s network services without the authorization of the Customer. The Customer shall be fully liable for all such charges The Company shall not be liable for any act or omission of any entity furnishing the Company or the Company s Customers facilities or equipment used for or with the services the Company offers; or for the acts or omissions of other common carriers With respect to Emergency Number 911 Service: A B. This service is offered solely as an aid in handling assistance calls in connection with fire, police and other emergencies. The Company if not responsible for any losses, claims, demands, suits or any liability whatsoever, whether suffered, made, instituted or asserted by the Customer, or by any other party or person, for any personal injury to or death of any person or persons, and for any loss, damage or destruction of any property, whether owned by the Customer or others, caused or claimed to have been caused by: (1) mistakes, omissions, interruptions, delays, errors or other defects in the provision of this service; or (2) installation, operation, failure to operate, maintenance, removal, presence, condition, location or use of any equipment and facilities furnishing this service. Neither is the Company responsible for any infringement or invasion of the right of privacy of any person or persons, caused or claimed to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the installation, operation, failure to operate, maintenance, removal, presence, condition, occasion or use of emergency 911 service features and the equipment associated therewith,, or by any services furnished by the Company, including, but not limited to, the identification of the telephone number, address or name associated with the telephone used by the party or parties accessing emergency 911 service, and which arises out of the negligence or other wrongful act of the Company, the Customer, its users, agencies or municipalities, or the employees or agents of any one of them.

18 Original Sheet No. 17 SECTION 2 - RULES AND REGULATIONS, Continued 2.4. LIABILITIES OF THE COMPANY, Continued In the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct, no liability for damages arising from errors, mistakes in or omissions of directory listings, or errors, mistakes or omissions of listings obtainable from the directory assistance operator, including errors in the reporting thereof, will attach to the Company The Company s liability arising from errors or omissions in directory listings will be limited to the amount of actual impairment to the Customer s service and in no event will exceed one-half the amount of the fixed monthly charges applicable to exchange service affected during the period covered by the directory in which the error or omission occurs As part of providing any private listing or semi-private listing services, the Company will not be liable for failure or refusal to complete any call to such telephone when the call is not placed by dialing a number which includes the number of the party called. The Company will try to prevent the disclosure of unpublished listings, but will not be liable in any manner should such a number be divulged When a Customer with a non-published telephone number places a call to the Emergency 911 Service, the Company will release the name and address of the calling party, where such information can be determined, to the appropriate local governmental authority responsible for the Emergency 911 Service, upon request of such governmental authority. By subscribing to service under this Tariff, the Customer agrees to the release of such information under the above provision The Company will use reasonable efforts to make available services to a Customer on or before a particular date, subject to the provisions of, and compliance by the Customer with, the regulations contained in this Tariff. The Company does not guarantee availability by any such date and will not be liable for any delays in commencing service to any Customer.

19 Original Sheet No. 18 SECTION 2 - RULES AND REGULATIONS, Continued 2.5. EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES The Company will use reasonable efforts to maintain the facilities that it furnishes to the Customer. The Customer may not, nor may the Customer permit others to rearrange, disconnect, remove, attempt to repair or otherwise interfere with any of the facilities installed by the Company, except upon written consent by the Company Equipment installed at the Customer premises for use in connections with the services the Company offers shall not be used for any purposes other than that for which the Company has provided the equipment The Company will not be responsible for the installation, operation or maintenance of any Customer-provided communications equipment. Where Customer-provisioned equipment is connected to the facilities furnished under this Tariff, the responsibility of the Company will be limited to the furnishing of facilities offered pursuant to this Tariff. Beyond this responsibility, the Company will not be responsible for: A. The transmission of signals by Customer-provided equipment or for the quality of, or defects in, such transmission; or B. the reception of signals by Customer-provided equipment; or C. network control signaling when performed by Customer-provided network control signaling equipment At the request of the Customer, installation or maintenance may be performed outside of the Company s regular business hours or in hazardous locations. In such cases, charges based on cost of the actual labor, material or other costs incurred by or charged by the Company will apply. If installation or maintenance is started during regular business hours, but, at the Customer s request, extends beyond regular business hours into time periods including, but not limited to, weekends, holidays and/or night hours, additional charges may apply.

20 Original Sheet No. 19 SECTION 2 - RULES AND REGULATIONS, Continued 2.6. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES The Customer is responsible for the payment of all charges for service furnished to the Customer and for all additional charges for calls the Customer elects to continue making The Customer is responsible for compliance with applicable regulations set forth in this Tariff The name(s) of the Customer(s) desiring to use the service must be properly verified The Customer agrees to return to the Company within five (5) days of termination of service all Company-provided equipment. All returned equipment must be in the same condition as when delivered to the Customer by the Company, upon demand, for any costs incurred by the Company due to Customer s failure to comply with this provision ALLOWANCES FOR INTERRUPTIONS IN SERVICE Credit allowance for interruptions of service which are not due to Company s testing or adjusting, to the negligence of the Customer, or to the failure of channels, equipment and/or communications equipment provided by the Customer, are subject to the general liability provisions set forth in Section 2.4, herein. It shall be the obligation of the Customer to notify Company of any interruptions of service. Before giving such notice, the Customer shall ascertain that the trouble is not being caused by any action or omission of the Customer, not within the Customer s control For purposes of credit computation for service, every month shall be considered to have 30 days. No credit allowances will be allowed for an interruption of services for continuous duration of less than four (4) hours An interruption period begins when the Customer reports a service facility or circuit to be inoperative and releases it for testing and repair. An interruption period ends when the service, facility or circuit is operative If the Customer reports a service, facility or circuit to be inoperative but declines to release it for testing and repair, the service, facility or circuit is considered to be impaired, but not interrupted. No credit allowances will be made for a service, facility or circuit considered by the Company to be impaired.

21 Original Sheet No. 20 SECTION 2 - RULES AND REGULATIONS, Continued 2.7. ALLOWANCES FOR INTERRUPTIONS IN SERVICE, Continued Customers receiving services utilizing the Company s facilities and switch equipment will be entitled to credit allowances Credits for interruptions of service shall in no event exceed an amount equivalent to the monthly facility charge for the month of service during which the event that gave rise to the claim for a credit occurred. A credit allowance as provided in Section will be applied against the rates specified and is dependent upon the length of the interruption. Only those facilities on the interrupted portion of the circuit will receive a credit No credit allowances will be made for any interruption in service: A B C D E F G H. due to the negligence of, or non-compliance with the provisions of this Tariff, by any person or entity other than the Company, including but not limited to the customer or other common carriers connected to the service of the Company; due to the failure of power, equipment, systems, or services not provided by the Company; due to circumstances or causes beyond the control of the Company; during any period in which the Company is not given full and free access to its facilities and equipment for the purposes of investigating and correcting interruptions; during any period in which the Customer continues to use the service on a impaired basis; during any period when the Customer has released service to the Company for maintenance purposes or for implementation of a Customer order for a chance in service arrangements; that occurs or continues due to the Customer s failure to authorize replacement of any element of special construction; and that was not reported to the Company within thirty (30) days of the date that service was affected.

22 Original Sheet No. 21 SECTION 2 - RULES AND REGULATIONS, Continued 2.7. ALLOWANCES FOR INTERRUPTIONS IN SERVICE, Continued Credit for Service Interruption Customers experiencing interruptions of service as herein defined will be credited as follows: Length of Service Interruption Credit Allowance Less than four (4) hours None Four (4) hours up to but not 1/3 of day for monthly recurring including eight (8) hours charges Eight (8) hours up to but not ½ of day for monthly recurring including twelve (12) hours charges Twelve (12) hours up to but not 2/3 of day for monthly recurring including sixteen (16) hours charges Sixteen (16) hours up to but not One-day for monthly recurring including twenty-four hours (24) charges hours Twenty-four (24) hours or longer One day for monthly recurring charges, each 24 hour period Company has no liability for damages arising out of mistakes, interruptions, omissions, delays, errors, or defects in the transmission or call processing of customer s communications traffic by any underlying carrier. The Company s liability for such damages occurring in the course of furnishing the Company s Services but not caused by its gross negligence or willful misconduct or that of its employees or agents, in no event shall exceed an amount equivalent to the proportionate charge to the customer for the period during which such mistakes, interruptions, omissions, delays, errors, or defects in the Company s furnishing of its Services occur.

23 Original Sheet No. 22 SECTION 2 - RULES AND REGULATIONS, Continued 2.8. RESTORATION OF SERVICE The use and restoration of service in emergencies shall be in accordance with part 64, Subpart D of the Federal Communications Commission s Rules and Regulations which specifies the priority system for such activities When a Customer s service has been disconnected in accordance with this Tariff and the service has been terminated through the completion of a Company service order, service will be restored only upon the basis of application for new service MINIMUM SERVICE PERIOD The minimum service period is one month (30 days) In the case where a Customer engages in a contract for the Company s services, the minimum service period shall be the Commitment Period stated in the contract. At the end of the Commitment Period, the Contract will remain in effect until the Customer or the Company provide written notice of termination in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Contract EARLY CONTRACT TERMINATION PENALTIES In the event the Customer terminates service with the Company prior to the end of the Commitment Period or in the event that the Company terminates service based upon Customer s default, Customer will pay to the Company a Termination Fee consisting of 1) a one time handling fee of five hundred dollars ($500.00), 2) any installation charges previously waived by Company, and 3) a termination penalty equivalent to the monthto-month rate for all service multiplied by the number of months for which the Customer received service in the Commitment Period. The Termination Fee will be due immediately upon termination of service.

24 Original Sheet No. 23 SECTION 2 - RULES AND REGULATIONS, Continued PAYMENTS AND BILLING Charges for service are applied on a recurring and nonrecurring basis. Service is provided and billed on a monthly (30 day) basis. The billing date is dependent on the billing cycle assigned to the subscriber. Service continues to be provided until cancelled by the Customer on not less than thirty (30) days notice The Customer is responsible for the payment of all charges for services furnished to the Customer. Charges are based on actual usage, and are billed monthly in arrears Billing will be payable upon receipt and past due thirty (30) days after issuance and posting of invoice Whenever a check or draft presented for payment of service is not accepted by the institution on which it is written, a returned check charge of $25.00 will apply, per check or draft written For Business Customers, all amounts outstanding twenty-one (21) days or more from the date on which the bill for such amounts is mailed are subject to a late payment charge. The late payment charge is 15.84% A. The late payment charge does not apply to: 1. Any disputed amount; however it is application to all undisputed portions of a bill on which a dispute is pending; 2. Final accounts; however any late payment charges included in the balance on a final statement are still due The name(s) of the Customer(s) desiring to use the service must be set forth in the application for service Billing disputes should be addressed to Company s customer service organization via a toll-free telephone number (866) Customer service representatives are available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time. Messages may be left for customer services from 6:01 p.m. to 8:59 a.m. Eastern Time, which will be answered on the next business day, unless in the event of an emergency which threatens customer service.

25 Original Sheet No. 24 SECTION 2 - RULES AND REGULATIONS, Continued PAYMENTS AND BILLING, Continued In the case of a dispute between the Customer and the Company for service furnished to the Customer, which cannot be settled with mutual satisfaction, the Customer can take the following course of action: A. First, the Customer may request, and the Company will perform, an in-depth review of the disputed amount. (The undisputed portion and subsequent bills must be paid on a timely basis or the service may be subject to disconnection) B. Second, if there is still disagreement about the disputed amount after the investigation and review by a manager of the Company, the Customer may appeal to the Commission for its investigation and decision. The address of the Commission is: Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission 89 Jefferson Boulevard Warwick, RI Telephone: (401) CANCELLATION BY CUSTOMER Customer may cancel service by providing notice to Company thirty (30) days prior to cancellation Customer is responsible for usage charges while still connected to the Company s service Any non-recoverable cost of Company expenditures shall be borne by the Customer if: A. The Customer orders service requiring special facilities dedicated to the Customer s use and then cancels the order before such service begins, before completion of the minimum period or before completion of some period mutually agreed with the Customer for the non-recoverable portions of expenditures; or B C. Liabilities are incurred expressly on behalf of the Customer by Company and not fully reimbursed by installation and monthly charges; and Based on an order for service and construction has either begun or has been completed, but no service provided.

26 Original Sheet No. 25 SECTION 2 - RULES AND REGULATIONS, Continued CANCELLATION BY COMPANY Company reserves the right to immediately discontinue furnishing the service to customers without incurring liability: A. In the event of a condition determined to be hazardous to the Customer, to other customers of the utility, to the utilities equipment, to the public or to employees of the utility; or B. By reason of any order or decision of a court or any other governmental authority which prohibits the Company from furnishing such service; or C. If the Company deems such refusal necessary to protect itself or third parties against fraud or to otherwise protect its personnel, agents, facilities or services without notice; or D. For unlawful use of the service or use of the service for unlawful purposes; or E. If the Customer provides false information to the Company regarding the Customer s identity, address, credit-worthiness, past, current or planned use of Company s services Company may discontinue service upon ten (10) days written notice to the Customer via first-class mail: A. For violation of Company s filed Tariff; B. For the non-payment of any proper charge as provided by Company s Tariff; C. For Customer s breach of the contract for service between the utility and customer; or D. When necessary for the Company to comply with any order or request of any governmental authority having jurisdiction.

27 Original Sheet No. 26 SECTION 2 - RULES AND REGULATIONS, Continued CANCELLATION BY COMPANY, Continued The discontinuance of service(s) by the Company pursuant to this section does not relieve the Customer of any obligations to pay the Company for charges due and owing for service(s) furnished up to the time of discontinuance. The remedies set forth herein shall not be exclusive and the company shall at all times be entitled to all the rights available to it under law or equity The Company may refuse to permit collect calling, calling card, third number billing which it determines to be fraudulent and/or may limit the use of these billing options or services INTERCONNECTION The Customer shall secure all licenses, permits, rights-of-way and other arrangements necessary for interconnections with the Company. In addition, the Customer shall ensure that its equipment and/or system or that of its agents is properly interfaced with the Company s service and the signals emitted into the Company s network are of the proper mode, band-width, power, data, speed and signal level from the intended use of the Customer. If the Customer or its agent fails to properly maintain and operate its equipment and/or system of that of its agent, the Company may, upon written request, require the use of protective equipment at the Customer s request Service furnished by Company may be interconnected with services or facilities of other authorized communications common carriers and with private systems, subject to the technical limitations established by Company. Any special interface of facilities necessary to achieve compatibility between the facilities of Company and other participating carriers shall be provided at the Customer s expense Interconnection between the facilities or services of other carriers shall be under the applicable terms and conditions of the other carriers tariffs. The Customer is responsible for taking all necessary legal steps for interconnecting Customer provided terminal equipment or communications equipment with Company s facilities. The Customer shall secure all licenses, permits, rights-of-way, and other such arrangements necessary for interconnection.

28 Original Sheet No DEPOSITS SECTION 2 - RULES AND REGULATIONS, Continued In order to safeguard against it against loss of charges due at the time service may be terminated, the Company may require a Customer or applicant for telephone service to make a deposit equal to the estimated amount of charges for services provided for any period of two months Simple interest of 12% per annum is credited to the Customer annually or upon termination of the service or the return of the deposit by the Company The receipt of such a deposit by the Company shall in no way relieve the customer or applicant from compliance with the Company s regulations as to advance payment (if any) and the prompt payment of bills, nor constitute a waiver or modification of the practices of the Company for the discontinuance of service for nonpayment of any sums due for service rendered TAXES AND SURCHARGES All taxes, including state and local taxes and surcharges are listed as separate line items on monthly bills and are not included in the Tariffed rates.

29 Original Sheet No TIMING OF CALLS SECTION 3 - DESCRIPTION OF SERVICE The Customer s local usage charge is based on the actual usage of Company s service. Usage begins when the receiver of the called number is answered and terminated when either party hangs up The Customer s long distance usage charge is based on the actual usage of Company s service. Usage begins when the receiver of the called number is answered. The timing of the call occurs when the called party answers and terminated when either party hangs up Unless otherwise specified in this Tariff, the minimum call duration for intrastate long distance calls is thirty (30) seconds with six (6) second billing increments thereafter Any portion of an applicable increment, after the appropriate minimum time for the call, will be rounded upward to the next increment. Calls less than the minimum length will be rounded to the minimum length There is no billing for incomplete calls CALCULATION OF DISTANCE Usage charges for all mileage sensitive products are based on the airline distance between the serving wire center locations associated with the originating and terminating points of the call. The airline mileage between rate centers is determined by applying the formula below to the vertical and horizontal coordinates associated with the rate centers involved. The Company uses the rate centers and associated vertical and horizontal coordinates that are produced by Bell Communications Research in the V & H Coordinates Tape and appear in the National Exchange Carriers Association Tariff No. 4.

30 Original Sheet No. 29 SECTION 3 - DESCRIPTION OF SERVICE, Continued 3.2 CALCULATION OF DISTANCE, Continued FORMULA: (V1 V2)² + (H1 H2)² 10 EXAMPLE: Distance between Miami and New York City: V H Miami 8, New York 4,997 1,406 Difference 3,354 (877) Square and add: 11,249, ,129 = 12,018,445 Divide by 10 and round: 12,018,445/10 = 1,201,844.5 (1,201,844) Take the square root and round: 1,201,844 = 1,096.2 (1,096 miles) 3.3. SERVICE AREA The local exchange boundaries and rate centers are the same as those contained in New England Telephone and Telegraph Company s (NYNEX) Tariff, P.U.C. - R.I. No Company provides interexchange services throughout the State of Rhode Island The Company s description of service area in no way compels the Company to provide any service in an area where facilities or other extenuating factors limits the Company s ability to provide service.

31 Original Sheet No. 30 SECTION 3 - DESCRIPTION OF SERVICE, Continued 3.4. GRANITE LOCAL EXCHANGE SERVICE Local Exchange Service provides a Customer with a voice-grade communications channel and unique telephone number address which enables the Customer to: place or receive calls to any calling station in the local calling area as defined in this Tariff; access enhanced 911 Emergency Service; access the interexchange carrier selected by the Customer for interlata, intralata, interstate or international calling; access Operator Services; access Directory Assistance for the local calling area; place or receive calls to 800/888 telephone numbers; access Telecommunication Relay Service. Basic Local Exchange Service is provided on a measured basis, and provides for calling within the local calling area on a per message or per minute basis as specified in Section Basic Local Exchange Service consists of the appropriate dial tone line rate and local usage charges. Accumulation of local usage time is accounted for on a per second basis. At the end of the Customer s billing period, the sum of accumulated seconds are rounded up to the next higher minute Directory Assistance Service is provided as an ancillary service exclusively to the Company s Customers. Directory assistance is accessible by dialing 1, the area code of the desired number and Operator Assistance Service provides the Customer the ability to obtain the assistance of a local operator to complete local exchange telephone calls in the following manner. These services are not applicable within confinement facilities for use with inmate calling services. A. Third Number Billing provides the Customer with the capability to charge a local call to a third number which is different from the called or calling party. The party answering at the third number has the option to refuse acceptance of the charges in advance or when queried by the operator. B. Collect Calls provides the Customer with the capability to charge a call tot he called party. On the operator announcement of a collect call, the called party has the option to refuse acceptance of charges in advance or when queried by the operator.

32 Original Sheet No. 31 SECTION 3 - DESCRIPTION OF SERVICE, Continued 3.4. GRANITE LOCAL EXCHANGE SERVICE, Continued Operator Assistance Service, Continued C. Person-to-Person provides the Customer with the capability to place calls completed with the assistance of an operator to a particular station and person specified by the caller. The call may be billed to the called party. D. Station-to-Station provides the Customer with the capability to place calls completed with the assistance of an operator to a particular station. The call may be billed to the called party. E. General Assistance provides the Customer with the option to request general information from the operator, such as dialing instructions, county or city codes, area code information and Customer Service toll free telephone numbers, but does not request the operator to complete the call Custom Calling Features A. Anonymous Call Rejection allows the Customer to anonymous calls rejected. B. Busy Redial automatically stores and redials the last number the Customer dialed. If the Customer reaches a busy number, Busy Redial will monitor the number called and ring the Customer back when the number is available. C. Call Blocking allows the Customer to have incoming and/or outgoing calls blocked in a variety of manners. D. Call Forwarding allows the Customer to have calls rerouted to another telephone number. E. Call Return automatically returns the most recent incoming call to the Customer, whether it was answered or not. F. Call Trace allows a Customer to initiate a trace of the last incoming call by dialing a code immediately after the call has ended.