Section 480-120-411. Network maintenance.

(1) Each local exchange company (LEC) must:

(a) Provide adequate maintenance to ensure that all facilities are in safe and serviceable condition;

(b) Correct immediately hazardous conditions endangering persons, property, or the continuity of service when found, reported, or known to exist;

(c) Promptly repair or replace broken, damaged, or deteriorated equipment, when found to be no longer capable of providing adequate service; and

(d) Correct promptly transmission problems on any channel when located or identified, including noise induction, cross-talk, or other poor transmission characteristics.

(2) Each LEC must install and maintain test apparatus at appropriate locations to determine the operating characteristics of network systems and provide sufficient portable power systems to support up to the largest remote subscriber carrier site. For the safe and continuous operation of underground cables, each LEC must establish air pressurization policies and an air pressurization alarm-monitoring program where appropriate.

(3) Central offices equipped with automatic start generators must have three hours' reserve battery capacity. Central offices without automatic start generators must have a minimum of five hours' reserve battery capacity. Central offices without permanently installed emergency power facilities must have access to readily connectable mobile power units with enough power capacity to carry the load and that can be delivered within one half of the expected battery reserve time. The company must retain a reasonable inventory of portable generators to maintain peripheral electronic equipment that is not connected to standby generation, for example, digital loop carrier, servers, etc.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 19.122 RCW, RCW 19.122.053, 80.01.040, and 80.04.160. WSR 15-08-043 (Docket UT-140680, General Order R-580), § 480-120-411, filed 3/26/15, effective 4/26/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. WSR 03-01-065 (Docket No. UT-990146, General Order No. R-507), § 480-120-411, filed 12/12/02, effective 7/1/03.]

Chapter 19.122 RCW, RCW 19.122.053, 80.01.040, and 80.04.160. WSR 15-08-043 (Docket UT-140680, General Order R-580), § 480-120-411, filed 3/26/15, effective 4/26/15. Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. WSR 03-01-065 (Docket No. UT-990146, General Order No. R-507), § 480-120-411, filed 12/12/02, effective 7/1/03.