N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 16 § 609.7

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 39, September 25, 2024

Section 609.7 - Reconnection of service

(a) A telephone corporation shall reconnect suspended or terminated basic local exchange service within 24 hours, unless prevented by circumstances beyond the telephone corporation's control or unless a customer requests otherwise, in the following situations:

(1) receipt by the telephone corporation of the full amount of arrears for which service was suspended or terminated or upon the elimination of conditions that warranted suspension or termination of service;

(2) agreement by the telephone corporation and the customer on a deferred payment plan and the payment of a down payment, if required, under the plan;

(3) where a telephone corporation has notice that a serious impairment to health or safety exists and telephone service is necessary to insure accessibility of emergency medical assistance, assistance relating to medical care or professional advice. Doubts as to whether reconnection of service is required for health or safety reasons shall be resolved in favor of reconnection; or

(4) upon the direction of the commission or its designee.

Comment:A telephone corporation may not insist upon payment of lawful charges that did not provide the basis for suspension or termination before restoring service under this subdivision. In these circumstances, payment of other lawful charges that did not form the basis for the suspension or termination should be part of the deferred payment plan in accordance with section 609.8 of this Part, unless the customer elects to pay such charge immediately.

(b) Whenever circumstances beyond the telephone corporation's control prevent reconnection of service within 24 hours of any of the events specified in subdivision (a) of this section, service shall be reconnected within 12 hours after those circumstances cease to exist.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 16 § 609.7