(1) When a telecommunications company petitions for competitive classification of a telecommunications service(s), the company must provide notice to each affected customer at least thirty days before the requested effective date.

(2) Each customer notice must include, at a minimum:

(a) The date the notice is issued and the proposed effective date of the competitive classification;

(b) The company name and address;

(c) A clear explanation of the proposal to give customers the basis for understanding the proposal and the potential impact of the change. The company may satisfy this requirement with its own explanation or by using commission-developed language available from the commission's designated public affairs officer;

(d) A description of how customers may contact the company if they have specific questions or need additional information about the proposal; and

(e) Public involvement language. A company may choose from:

(i) Commission-suggested language that is available from the commission's designated public affairs officer; or

(ii) Company-developed language that must include the commission's mailing address, toll-free number, and docket number, if known, and a brief explanation of:

(A) How to participate in the commission's process by mailing or faxing a letter, or submitting an email; and

(B) How to contact the commission for process questions or to be notified of the scheduled open meeting at which the proposal will be considered by the commission.

(3) Methods of notice permitted include a bill insert, bill message, printing on the billing envelope, a separate mailing to all affected customers or, if the company has the capability and the customer has authorized, by email.

(4) Within ten days of making a filing requiring posting, publication, or customer notice, a company must file a declaration with the commission's records center that the required notice has been posted, published, and/or mailed. The declaration must include:

(a) The methods used to post, publish, and/or give notice to customers;

(b) When the notice was first posted, published, and/or issued to customers;

(c) How many customers are affected; and

(d) A copy of the notice.

(5) A company may request assistance from the commission's designated public affairs officer with efforts to comply with this section.

(6) The commission may require notice to customers other than those described in this rule when the commission determines that additional customer education is needed.