{"identifier":"/us/usc/t47/s153","title":47,"num":"\u00a7\u202f153.","heading":"Definitions","text":"\u00a7\u202f153.\nDefinitions\nFor the purposes of this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires\u2014\n(1)\nAdvanced communications services\nThe term \u201cadvanced communications services\u201d means\u2014\n(A) interconnected VoIP service;\n(B) non-interconnected VoIP service;\n(C) electronic messaging service;\n(D) interoperable video conferencing service; and\n(E) any audio or video communications service used by inmates for the purpose of communicating with individuals outside the correctional institution where the inmate is held, regardless of technology used.\n(2)\nAffiliate\nThe term \u201caffiliate\u201d means a person that (directly or indirectly) owns or controls, is owned or controlled by, or is under common ownership or control with, another person. For purposes of this paragraph, the term \u201cown\u201d means to own an equity interest (or the equivalent thereof) of more than 10 percent.\n(3)\nAmateur station\nThe term \u201camateur station\u201d means a radio station operated by a duly authorized person interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest.\n(4)\nAT&T Consent Decree\nThe term \u201cAT&T Consent Decree\u201d means the order entered\nAugust 24, 1982\nAugust 24, 1982\n(5)\nBell operating company\nThe term \u201cBell operating company\u201d\u2014\n(A) means any of the following companies: Bell Telephone Company of Nevada, Illinois Bell Telephone Company, Indiana Bell Telephone Company, Incorporated, Michigan Bell Telephone Company, New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, New Jersey Bell Telephone Company, New York Telephone Company, U\u2000S West Communications Company, South Central Bell Telephone Company, Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, The Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania, The Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company, The Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company of Maryland, The Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company of Virginia, The Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company of West Virginia, The Diamond State Telephone Company, The Ohio Bell Telephone Company, The Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company, or Wisconsin Telephone Company; and\n(B) includes any successor or assign of any such company that provides wireline telephone exchange service; but\n(C) does not include an affiliate of any such company, other than an affiliate described in subparagraph (A) or (B).\n(6)\nBroadcast station\nThe term \u201cbroadcast station\u201d, \u201cbroadcasting station\u201d, or \u201cradio broadcast station\u201d means a radio station equipped to engage in broadcasting as herein defined.\n(7)\nBroadcasting\nThe term \u201cbroadcasting\u201d means the dissemination of radio communications intended to be received by the public, directly or by the intermediary of relay stations.\n(8)\nCable service\nThe term \u201ccable service\u201d has the meaning given such term in\nsection 522 of this title\n(9)\nCable system\nThe term \u201ccable system\u201d has the meaning given such term in\nsection 522 of this title\n(10)\nChain broadcasting\nThe term \u201cchain broadcasting\u201d means simultaneous broadcasting of an identical program by two or more connected stations.\n(11)\nCommon carrier\nThe term \u201ccommon carrier\u201d or \u201ccarrier\u201d means any person engaged as a common carrier for hire, in interstate or foreign communication by wire or radio or interstate or foreign radio transmission of energy, except where reference is made to common carriers not subject to this chapter; but a person engaged in radio broadcasting shall not, insofar as such person is so engaged, be deemed a common carrier.\n(12)\nConnecting carrier\nThe term \u201cconnecting carrier\u201d means a carrier described in clauses (2), (3), or (4) of\nsection 152(b) of this title\n(13)\nConstruction permit\nThe term \u201cconstruction permit\u201d or \u201cpermit for construction\u201d means that instrument of authorization required by this chapter or the rules and regulations of the Commission made pursuant to this chapter for the construction of a station, or the installation of apparatus, for the transmission of energy, or communications, or signals by radio, by whatever name the instrument may be designated by the Commission.\n(14)\nConsumer generated media\nThe term \u201cconsumer generated media\u201d means content created and made available by consumers to online websites and services on the Internet, including video, audio, and multimedia content.\n(15)\nCorporation\nThe term \u201ccorporation\u201d includes any corporation, joint-stock company, or association.\n(16)\nCustomer premises equipment\nThe term \u201ccustomer premises equipment\u201d means equipment employed on the premises of a person (other than a carrier) to originate, route, or terminate telecommunications.\n(17)\nDialing parity\nThe term \u201cdialing parity\u201d means that a person that is not an affiliate of a local exchange carrier is able to provide telecommunications services in such a manner that customers have the ability to route automatically, without the use of any access code, their telecommunications to the telecommunications services provider of the customer\u2019s designation from among 2 or more telecommunications services providers (including such local exchange carrier).\n(18)\nDisability\nThe term \u201cdisability\u201d has the meaning given such term under\nsection 12102 of title 42\n(19)\nElectronic messaging service\nThe term \u201celectronic messaging service\u201d means a service that provides real-time or near real-time non-voice messages in text form between individuals over communications networks.\n(20)\nExchange access\nThe term \u201cexchange access\u201d means the offering of access to telephone exchange services or facilities for the purpose of the origination or termination of telephone toll services.\n(21)\nForeign communication\nThe term \u201cforeign communication\u201d or \u201cforeign transmission\u201d means communication or transmission from or to any place in the United States to or from a foreign country, or between a station in the United States and a mobile station located outside the United States.\n(22)\nGreat Lakes Agreement\nThe term \u201cGreat Lakes Agreement\u201d means the Agreement for the Promotion of Safety on the Great Lakes by Means of Radio in force and the regulations referred to therein.\n(23)\nHarbor\nThe term \u201charbor\u201d or \u201cport\u201d means any place to which ships may resort for shelter or to load or unload passengers or goods, or to obtain fuel, water, or supplies. This term shall apply to such places whether proclaimed public or not and whether natural or artificial.\n(24)\nInformation service\nThe term \u201cinformation service\u201d means the offering of a capability for generating, acquiring, storing, transforming, processing, retrieving, utilizing, or making available information via telecommunications, and includes electronic publishing, but does not include any use of any such capability for the management, control, or operation of a telecommunications system or the management of a telecommunications service.\n(25)\nInterconnected VoIP service\nThe term \u201cinterconnected VoIP service\u201d has the meaning given such term under section 9.3 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, as such section may be amended from time to time.\n(26)\nInterLATA service\nThe term \u201cinterLATA service\u201d means telecommunications between a point located in a local access and transport area and a point located outside such area.\n(27)\nInteroperable video conferencing service\nThe term \u201cinteroperable video conferencing service\u201d means a service that provides real-time video communications, including audio, to enable users to share information of the user\u2019s choosing.\n(28)\nInterstate communication\nThe term \u201cinterstate communication\u201d or \u201cinterstate transmission\u201d means communication or transmission (A) from any State, Territory, or possession of the United States (other than the Canal Zone), or the District of Columbia, to any other State, Territory, or possession of the United States (other than the Canal Zone), or the District of Columbia, (B) from or to the United States to or from the Canal Zone, insofar as such communication or transmission takes place within the United States, or (C) between points within the United States but through a foreign country; but shall not, with respect to the provisions of subchapter II of this chapter (other than\nsection 223 of this title\n(29)\nLand station\nThe term \u201cland station\u201d means a station, other than a mobile station, used for radio communication with mobile stations.\n(30)\nLicensee\nThe term \u201clicensee\u201d means the holder of a radio station license granted or continued in force under authority of this chapter.\n(31)\nLocal access and transport area\nThe term \u201clocal access and transport area\u201d or \u201cLATA\u201d means a contiguous geographic area\u2014\n(A) established before\nFebruary 8, 1996\n(B) established or modified by a Bell operating company after\nFebruary 8, 1996\n(32)\nLocal exchange carrier\nThe term \u201clocal exchange carrier\u201d means any person that is engaged in the provision of telephone exchange service or exchange access. Such term does not include a person insofar as such person is engaged in the provision of a commercial mobile service under\nsection 332(c) of this title\n(33)\nMobile service\nThe term \u201cmobile service\u201d means a radio communication service carried on between mobile stations or receivers and land stations, and by mobile stations communicating among themselves, and includes (A) both one-way and two-way radio communication services, (B) a mobile service which provides a regularly interacting group of base, mobile, portable, and associated control and relay stations (whether licensed on an individual, cooperative, or multiple basis) for private one-way or two-way land mobile radio communications by eligible users over designated areas of operation, and (C) any service for which a license is required in a personal communications service established pursuant to the proceeding entitled \u201cAmendment to the Commission\u2019s Rules to Establish New Personal Communications Services\u201d (GEN Docket No. 90\u2013314; ET Docket No. 92\u2013100), or any successor proceeding.\n(34)\nMobile station\nThe term \u201cmobile station\u201d means a radio-communication station capable of being moved and which ordinarily does move.\n(35)\nNetwork element\nThe term \u201cnetwork element\u201d means a facility or equipment used in the provision of a telecommunications service. Such term also includes features, functions, and capabilities that are provided by means of such facility or equipment, including subscriber numbers, databases, signaling systems, and information sufficient for billing and collection or used in the transmission, routing, or other provision of a telecommunications service.\n(36)\nNon-interconnected VoIP service\nThe term \u201cnon-interconnected VoIP service\u201d\u2014\n(A) means a service that\u2014\n(i) enables real-time voice communications that originate from or terminate to the user\u2019s location using Internet protocol or any successor protocol; and\n(ii) requires Internet protocol compatible customer premises equipment; and\n(B) does not include any service that is an interconnected VoIP service.\n(37)\nNumber portability\nThe term \u201cnumber portability\u201d means the ability of users of telecommunications services to retain, at the same location, existing telecommunications numbers without impairment of quality, reliability, or convenience when switching from one telecommunications carrier to another.\n(38)\nOperator\n(A) The term \u201coperator\u201d on a ship of the United States means, for the purpose of parts II and III of subchapter III of this chapter, a person holding a radio operator\u2019s license of the proper class as prescribed and issued by the Commission.\n(B) \u201cOperator\u201d on a foreign ship means, for the purpose of part II of subchapter III of this chapter, a person holding a certificate as such of the proper class complying with the provisions of the radio regulations annexed to the International Telecommunication Convention in force, or complying with an agreement or treaty between the United States and the country in which the ship is registered.\n(39)\nPerson\nThe term \u201cperson\u201d includes an individual, partnership, association, joint-stock company, trust, or corporation.\n(40)\nRadio communication\nThe term \u201cradio communication\u201d or \u201ccommunication by radio\u201d means the transmission by radio of writing, signs, signals, pictures, and sounds of all kinds, including all instrumentalities, facilities, apparatus, and services (among other things, the receipt, forwarding, and delivery of communications) incidental to such transmission.\n(41)\nRadio officer\n(A) The term \u201cradio officer\u201d on a ship of the United States means, for the purpose of part II of subchapter III of this chapter, a person holding at least a first or second class radiotelegraph operator\u2019s license as prescribed and issued by the Commission. When such person is employed to operate a radiotelegraph station aboard a ship of the United States, he is also required to be licensed as a \u201cradio officer\u201d in accordance with chapter 71 of title 46.\n(B) \u201cRadio officer\u201d on a foreign ship means, for the purpose of part II of subchapter III of this chapter, a person holding at least a first or second class radiotelegraph operator\u2019s certificate complying with the provisions of the radio regulations annexed to the International Telecommunication Convention in force.\n(42)\nRadio station\nThe term \u201cradio station\u201d or \u201cstation\u201d means a station equipped to engage in radio communication or radio transmission of energy.\n(43)\nRadiotelegraph auto alarm\nThe term \u201cradiotelegraph auto alarm\u201d on a ship of the United States subject to the provisions of part II of subchapter III of this chapter means an automatic alarm receiving apparatus which responds to the radiotelegraph alarm signal and has been approved by the Commission. \u201cRadiotelegraph auto alarm\u201d on a foreign ship means an automatic alarm receiving apparatus which responds to the radiotelegraph alarm signal and has been approved by the government of the country in which the ship is registered:\nProvided\n(44)\nRural telephone company\nThe term \u201crural telephone company\u201d means a local exchange carrier operating entity to the extent that such entity\u2014\n(A) provides common carrier service to any local exchange carrier study area that does not include either\u2014\n(i) any incorporated place of 10,000 inhabitants or more, or any part thereof, based on the most recently available population statistics of the Bureau of the Census; or\n(ii) any territory, incorporated or unincorporated, included in an urbanized area, as defined by the Bureau of the Census as of\nAugust 10, 1993\n(B) provides telephone exchange service, including exchange access, to fewer than 50,000 access lines;\n(C) provides telephone exchange service to any local exchange carrier study area with fewer than 100,000 access lines; or\n(D) has less than 15 percent of its access lines in communities of more than 50,000 on\nFebruary 8, 1996\n(45)\nSafety convention\nThe term \u201csafety convention\u201d means the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea in force and the regulations referred to therein.\n(46)\nShip\n(A) The term \u201cship\u201d or \u201cvessel\u201d includes every description of watercraft or other artificial contrivance, except aircraft, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, whether or not it is actually afloat.\n(B) A ship shall be considered a passenger ship if it carries or is licensed or certificated to carry more than twelve passengers.\n(C) A cargo ship means any ship not a passenger ship.\n(D) A passenger is any person carried on board a ship or vessel except (1) the officers and crew actually employed to man and operate the ship, (2) persons employed to carry on the business of the ship, and (3) persons on board a ship when they are carried, either because of the obligation laid upon the master to carry shipwrecked, distressed, or other persons in like or similar situations or by reason of any circumstance over which neither the master, the owner, nor the charterer (if any) has control.\n(E) \u201cNuclear ship\u201d means a ship provided with a nuclear powerplant.\n(47)\nState\nThe term \u201cState\u201d includes the District of Columbia and the Territories and possessions.\n(48)\nState commission\nThe term \u201cState commission\u201d means the commission, board, or official (by whatever name designated) which under the laws of any State has regulatory jurisdiction with respect to intrastate operations of carriers.\n(49)\nStation license\nThe term \u201cstation license\u201d, \u201cradio station license\u201d, or \u201clicense\u201d means that instrument of authorization required by this chapter or the rules and regulations of the Commission made pursuant to this chapter, for the use or operation of apparatus for transmission of energy, or communications, or signals by radio, by whatever name the instrument may be designated by the Commission.\n(50)\nTelecommunications\nThe term \u201ctelecommunications\u201d means the transmission, between or among points specified by the user, of information of the user\u2019s choosing, without change in the form or content of the information as sent and received.\n(51)\nTelecommunications carrier\nThe term \u201ctelecommunications carrier\u201d means any provider of telecommunications services, except that such term does not include aggregators of telecommunications services (as defined in\nsection 226 of this title\n(52)\nTelecommunications equipment\nThe term \u201ctelecommunications equipment\u201d means equipment, other than customer premises equipment, used by a carrier to provide telecommunications services, and includes software integral to such equipment (including upgrades).\n(53)\nTelecommunications service\nThe term \u201ctelecommunications service\u201d means the offering of telecommunications for a fee directly to the public, or to such classes of users as to be effectively available directly to the public, regardless of the facilities used.\n(54)\nTelephone exchange service\nThe term \u201ctelephone exchange service\u201d means (A) service within a telephone exchange, or within a connected system of telephone exchanges within the same exchange area operated to furnish to subscribers intercommunicating service of the character ordinarily furnished by a single exchange, and which is covered by the exchange service charge, or (B) comparable service provided through a system of switches, transmission equipment, or other facilities (or combination thereof) by which a subscriber can originate and terminate a telecommunications service.\n(55)\nTelephone toll service\nThe term \u201ctelephone toll service\u201d means telephone service between stations in different exchange areas for which there is made a separate charge not included in contracts with subscribers for exchange service.\n(56)\nTelevision service\n(A)\nAnalog television service\nThe term \u201canalog television service\u201d means television service provided pursuant to the transmission standards prescribed by the Commission in section 73.682(a) of its regulations (47 C.F.R. 73.682(a)).\n(B)\nDigital television service\nThe term \u201cdigital television service\u201d means television service provided pursuant to the transmission standards prescribed by the Commission in section 73.682(d) of its regulations (47 C.F.R. 73.682(d)).\n(57)\nTransmission of energy by radio\nThe term \u201ctransmission of energy by radio\u201d or \u201cradio transmission of energy\u201d includes both such transmission and all instrumentalities, facilities, and services incidental to such transmission.\n(58)\nUnited States\nThe term \u201cUnited States\u201d means the several States and Territories, the District of Columbia, and the possessions of the United States, but does not include the Canal Zone.\n(59)\nWire communication\nThe term \u201cwire communication\u201d or \u201ccommunication by wire\u201d means the transmission of writing, signs, signals, pictures, and sounds of all kinds by aid of wire, cable, or other like connection between the points of origin and reception of such transmission, including all instrumentalities, facilities, apparatus, and services (among other things, the receipt, forwarding, and delivery of communications) incidental to such transmission.","url":"https://projectusc.org/usc/t47/s153.html","content":[{"t":"sec","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153","children":[{"t":"num","text":"\u00a7\u202f153."},{"t":"heading","text":"Definitions","tail":"\n"},{"t":"chapeau","text":"For the purposes of this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires\u2014"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/1","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(1)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Advanced communications services"},{"t":"chapeau","text":"The term \u201cadvanced communications services\u201d means\u2014"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/1/A","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(A)"},{"t":"content","text":" interconnected VoIP service;","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/1/B","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(B)"},{"t":"content","text":" non-interconnected VoIP service;","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/1/C","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(C)"},{"t":"content","text":" electronic messaging service;","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/1/D","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(D)"},{"t":"content","text":" interoperable video conferencing service; and","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/1/E","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(E)"},{"t":"content","text":" any audio or video communications service used by inmates for the purpose of communicating with individuals outside the correctional institution where the inmate is held, regardless of technology used.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/2","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(2)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Affiliate"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201caffiliate\u201d means a person that (directly or indirectly) owns or controls, is owned or controlled by, or is under common ownership or control with, another person. For purposes of this paragraph, the term \u201cown\u201d means to own an equity interest (or the equivalent thereof) of more than 10 percent.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/3","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(3)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Amateur station"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201camateur station\u201d means a radio station operated by a duly authorized person interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/4","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(4)"},{"t":"heading","text":"AT&T Consent Decree"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cAT&T Consent Decree\u201d means the order entered ","children":[{"t":"text","text":"August 24, 1982","tail":", in the antitrust action styled United States v. Western Electric, Civil Action No. 82\u20130192, in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, and includes any judgment or order with respect to such action entered on or after "},{"t":"text","text":"August 24, 1982","tail":"."}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/5","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(5)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Bell operating company"},{"t":"chapeau","text":"The term \u201cBell operating company\u201d\u2014"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/5/A","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(A)"},{"t":"content","text":" means any of the following companies: Bell Telephone Company of Nevada, Illinois Bell Telephone Company, Indiana Bell Telephone Company, Incorporated, Michigan Bell Telephone Company, New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, New Jersey Bell Telephone Company, New York Telephone Company, U\u2000S West Communications Company, South Central Bell Telephone Company, Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, The Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania, The Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company, The Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company of Maryland, The Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company of Virginia, The Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company of West Virginia, The Diamond State Telephone Company, The Ohio Bell Telephone Company, The Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company, or Wisconsin Telephone Company; and","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/5/B","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(B)"},{"t":"content","text":" includes any successor or assign of any such company that provides wireline telephone exchange service; but","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/5/C","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(C)"},{"t":"content","text":" does not include an affiliate of any such company, other than an affiliate described in subparagraph (A) or (B).","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/6","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(6)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Broadcast station"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cbroadcast station\u201d, \u201cbroadcasting station\u201d, or \u201cradio broadcast station\u201d means a radio station equipped to engage in broadcasting as herein defined.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/7","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(7)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Broadcasting"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cbroadcasting\u201d means the dissemination of radio communications intended to be received by the public, directly or by the intermediary of relay stations.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/8","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(8)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Cable service"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201ccable service\u201d has the meaning given such term in ","children":[{"t":"ref","text":"section 522 of this title","href":"/us/usc/t47/s522","tail":"."}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/9","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(9)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Cable system"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201ccable system\u201d has the meaning given such term in ","children":[{"t":"ref","text":"section 522 of this title","href":"/us/usc/t47/s522","tail":"."}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/10","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(10)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Chain broadcasting"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cchain broadcasting\u201d means simultaneous broadcasting of an identical program by two or more connected stations.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/11","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(11)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Common carrier"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201ccommon carrier\u201d or \u201ccarrier\u201d means any person engaged as a common carrier for hire, in interstate or foreign communication by wire or radio or interstate or foreign radio transmission of energy, except where reference is made to common carriers not subject to this chapter; but a person engaged in radio broadcasting shall not, insofar as such person is so engaged, be deemed a common carrier.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/12","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(12)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Connecting carrier"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cconnecting carrier\u201d means a carrier described in clauses (2), (3), or (4) of ","children":[{"t":"ref","text":"section 152(b) of this title","href":"/us/usc/t47/s152/b","tail":"."}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/13","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(13)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Construction permit"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cconstruction permit\u201d or \u201cpermit for construction\u201d means that instrument of authorization required by this chapter or the rules and regulations of the Commission made pursuant to this chapter for the construction of a station, or the installation of apparatus, for the transmission of energy, or communications, or signals by radio, by whatever name the instrument may be designated by the Commission.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/14","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(14)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Consumer generated media"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cconsumer generated media\u201d means content created and made available by consumers to online websites and services on the Internet, including video, audio, and multimedia content.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/15","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(15)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Corporation"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201ccorporation\u201d includes any corporation, joint-stock company, or association.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/16","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(16)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Customer premises equipment"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201ccustomer premises equipment\u201d means equipment employed on the premises of a person (other than a carrier) to originate, route, or terminate telecommunications.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/17","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(17)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Dialing parity"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cdialing parity\u201d means that a person that is not an affiliate of a local exchange carrier is able to provide telecommunications services in such a manner that customers have the ability to route automatically, without the use of any access code, their telecommunications to the telecommunications services provider of the customer\u2019s designation from among 2 or more telecommunications services providers (including such local exchange carrier).","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/18","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(18)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Disability"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cdisability\u201d has the meaning given such term under ","children":[{"t":"ref","text":"section 12102 of title 42","href":"/us/usc/t42/s12102","tail":"."}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/19","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(19)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Electronic messaging service"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201celectronic messaging service\u201d means a service that provides real-time or near real-time non-voice messages in text form between individuals over communications networks.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/20","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(20)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Exchange access"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cexchange access\u201d means the offering of access to telephone exchange services or facilities for the purpose of the origination or termination of telephone toll services.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/21","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(21)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Foreign communication"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cforeign communication\u201d or \u201cforeign transmission\u201d means communication or transmission from or to any place in the United States to or from a foreign country, or between a station in the United States and a mobile station located outside the United States.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/22","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(22)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Great Lakes Agreement"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cGreat Lakes Agreement\u201d means the Agreement for the Promotion of Safety on the Great Lakes by Means of Radio in force and the regulations referred to therein.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/23","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(23)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Harbor"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201charbor\u201d or \u201cport\u201d means any place to which ships may resort for shelter or to load or unload passengers or goods, or to obtain fuel, water, or supplies. This term shall apply to such places whether proclaimed public or not and whether natural or artificial.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/24","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(24)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Information service"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cinformation service\u201d means the offering of a capability for generating, acquiring, storing, transforming, processing, retrieving, utilizing, or making available information via telecommunications, and includes electronic publishing, but does not include any use of any such capability for the management, control, or operation of a telecommunications system or the management of a telecommunications service.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/25","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(25)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Interconnected VoIP service"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cinterconnected VoIP service\u201d has the meaning given such term under section 9.3 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, as such section may be amended from time to time.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/26","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(26)"},{"t":"heading","text":"InterLATA service"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cinterLATA service\u201d means telecommunications between a point located in a local access and transport area and a point located outside such area.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/27","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(27)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Interoperable video conferencing service"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cinteroperable video conferencing service\u201d means a service that provides real-time video communications, including audio, to enable users to share information of the user\u2019s choosing.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/28","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(28)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Interstate communication"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cinterstate communication\u201d or \u201cinterstate transmission\u201d means communication or transmission (A) from any State, Territory, or possession of the United States (other than the Canal Zone), or the District of Columbia, to any other State, Territory, or possession of the United States (other than the Canal Zone), or the District of Columbia, (B) from or to the United States to or from the Canal Zone, insofar as such communication or transmission takes place within the United States, or (C) between points within the United States but through a foreign country; but shall not, with respect to the provisions of subchapter II of this chapter (other than ","children":[{"t":"ref","text":"section 223 of this title","href":"/us/usc/t47/s223","tail":"), include wire or radio communication between points in the same State, Territory, or possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia, through any place outside thereof, if such communication is regulated by a State commission."}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/29","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(29)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Land station"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cland station\u201d means a station, other than a mobile station, used for radio communication with mobile stations.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/30","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(30)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Licensee"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201clicensee\u201d means the holder of a radio station license granted or continued in force under authority of this chapter.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/31","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(31)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Local access and transport area"},{"t":"chapeau","text":"The term \u201clocal access and transport area\u201d or \u201cLATA\u201d means a contiguous geographic area\u2014"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/31/A","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(A)"},{"t":"content","text":" established before ","children":[{"t":"text","text":"February 8, 1996","tail":", by a Bell operating company such that no exchange area includes points within more than 1 metropolitan statistical area, consolidated metropolitan statistical area, or State, except as expressly permitted under the AT&T Consent Decree; or"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/31/B","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(B)"},{"t":"content","text":" established or modified by a Bell operating company after ","children":[{"t":"text","text":"February 8, 1996","tail":", and approved by the Commission."}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/32","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(32)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Local exchange carrier"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201clocal exchange carrier\u201d means any person that is engaged in the provision of telephone exchange service or exchange access. Such term does not include a person insofar as such person is engaged in the provision of a commercial mobile service under ","children":[{"t":"ref","text":"section 332(c) of this title","href":"/us/usc/t47/s332/c","tail":", except to the extent that the Commission finds that such service should be included in the definition of such term."}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/33","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(33)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Mobile service"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cmobile service\u201d means a radio communication service carried on between mobile stations or receivers and land stations, and by mobile stations communicating among themselves, and includes (A) both one-way and two-way radio communication services, (B) a mobile service which provides a regularly interacting group of base, mobile, portable, and associated control and relay stations (whether licensed on an individual, cooperative, or multiple basis) for private one-way or two-way land mobile radio communications by eligible users over designated areas of operation, and (C) any service for which a license is required in a personal communications service established pursuant to the proceeding entitled \u201cAmendment to the Commission\u2019s Rules to Establish New Personal Communications Services\u201d (GEN Docket No. 90\u2013314; ET Docket No. 92\u2013100), or any successor proceeding.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/34","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(34)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Mobile station"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cmobile station\u201d means a radio-communication station capable of being moved and which ordinarily does move.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/35","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(35)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Network element"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cnetwork element\u201d means a facility or equipment used in the provision of a telecommunications service. Such term also includes features, functions, and capabilities that are provided by means of such facility or equipment, including subscriber numbers, databases, signaling systems, and information sufficient for billing and collection or used in the transmission, routing, or other provision of a telecommunications service.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/36","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(36)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Non-interconnected VoIP service"},{"t":"chapeau","text":"The term \u201cnon-interconnected VoIP service\u201d\u2014"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/36/A","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(A)"},{"t":"chapeau","text":" means a service that\u2014"},{"t":"clause","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/36/A/i","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(i)"},{"t":"content","text":" enables real-time voice communications that originate from or terminate to the user\u2019s location using Internet protocol or any successor protocol; and","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"clause","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/36/A/ii","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(ii)"},{"t":"content","text":" requires Internet protocol compatible customer premises equipment; and","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/36/B","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(B)"},{"t":"content","text":" does not include any service that is an interconnected VoIP service.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/37","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(37)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Number portability"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cnumber portability\u201d means the ability of users of telecommunications services to retain, at the same location, existing telecommunications numbers without impairment of quality, reliability, or convenience when switching from one telecommunications carrier to another.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/38","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(38)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Operator"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/38/A","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(A)"},{"t":"content","text":" The term \u201coperator\u201d on a ship of the United States means, for the purpose of parts II and III of subchapter III of this chapter, a person holding a radio operator\u2019s license of the proper class as prescribed and issued by the Commission.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/38/B","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(B)"},{"t":"content","text":" \u201cOperator\u201d on a foreign ship means, for the purpose of part II of subchapter III of this chapter, a person holding a certificate as such of the proper class complying with the provisions of the radio regulations annexed to the International Telecommunication Convention in force, or complying with an agreement or treaty between the United States and the country in which the ship is registered.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/39","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(39)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Person"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cperson\u201d includes an individual, partnership, association, joint-stock company, trust, or corporation.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/40","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(40)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Radio communication"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cradio communication\u201d or \u201ccommunication by radio\u201d means the transmission by radio of writing, signs, signals, pictures, and sounds of all kinds, including all instrumentalities, facilities, apparatus, and services (among other things, the receipt, forwarding, and delivery of communications) incidental to such transmission.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/41","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(41)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Radio officer"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/41/A","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(A)"},{"t":"content","text":" The term \u201cradio officer\u201d on a ship of the United States means, for the purpose of part II of subchapter III of this chapter, a person holding at least a first or second class radiotelegraph operator\u2019s license as prescribed and issued by the Commission. When such person is employed to operate a radiotelegraph station aboard a ship of the United States, he is also required to be licensed as a \u201cradio officer\u201d in accordance with chapter 71 of title 46.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/41/B","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(B)"},{"t":"content","text":" \u201cRadio officer\u201d on a foreign ship means, for the purpose of part II of subchapter III of this chapter, a person holding at least a first or second class radiotelegraph operator\u2019s certificate complying with the provisions of the radio regulations annexed to the International Telecommunication Convention in force.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/42","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(42)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Radio station"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cradio station\u201d or \u201cstation\u201d means a station equipped to engage in radio communication or radio transmission of energy.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/43","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(43)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Radiotelegraph auto alarm"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cradiotelegraph auto alarm\u201d on a ship of the United States subject to the provisions of part II of subchapter III of this chapter means an automatic alarm receiving apparatus which responds to the radiotelegraph alarm signal and has been approved by the Commission. \u201cRadiotelegraph auto alarm\u201d on a foreign ship means an automatic alarm receiving apparatus which responds to the radiotelegraph alarm signal and has been approved by the government of the country in which the ship is registered: ","children":[{"t":"text","text":"Provided","tail":", That the United States and the country in which the ship is registered are parties to the same treaty, convention, or agreement prescribing the requirements for such apparatus. Nothing in this chapter or in any other provision of law shall be construed to require the recognition of a radiotelegraph auto alarm as complying with part II of subchapter III of this chapter, on a foreign ship subject to part II of subchapter III of this chapter, where the country in which the ship is registered and the United States are not parties to the same treaty, convention, or agreement prescribing the requirements for such apparatus."}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/44","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(44)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Rural telephone company"},{"t":"chapeau","text":"The term \u201crural telephone company\u201d means a local exchange carrier operating entity to the extent that such entity\u2014"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/44/A","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(A)"},{"t":"chapeau","text":" provides common carrier service to any local exchange carrier study area that does not include either\u2014"},{"t":"clause","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/44/A/i","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(i)"},{"t":"content","text":" any incorporated place of 10,000 inhabitants or more, or any part thereof, based on the most recently available population statistics of the Bureau of the Census; or","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"clause","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/44/A/ii","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(ii)"},{"t":"content","text":" any territory, incorporated or unincorporated, included in an urbanized area, as defined by the Bureau of the Census as of ","children":[{"t":"text","text":"August 10, 1993","tail":";"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/44/B","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(B)"},{"t":"content","text":" provides telephone exchange service, including exchange access, to fewer than 50,000 access lines;","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/44/C","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(C)"},{"t":"content","text":" provides telephone exchange service to any local exchange carrier study area with fewer than 100,000 access lines; or","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/44/D","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(D)"},{"t":"content","text":" has less than 15 percent of its access lines in communities of more than 50,000 on ","children":[{"t":"text","text":"February 8, 1996","tail":"."}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/45","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(45)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Safety convention"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201csafety convention\u201d means the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea in force and the regulations referred to therein.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/46","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(46)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Ship"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/46/A","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(A)"},{"t":"content","text":" The term \u201cship\u201d or \u201cvessel\u201d includes every description of watercraft or other artificial contrivance, except aircraft, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, whether or not it is actually afloat.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/46/B","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(B)"},{"t":"content","text":" A ship shall be considered a passenger ship if it carries or is licensed or certificated to carry more than twelve passengers.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/46/C","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(C)"},{"t":"content","text":" A cargo ship means any ship not a passenger ship.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/46/D","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(D)"},{"t":"content","text":" A passenger is any person carried on board a ship or vessel except (1) the officers and crew actually employed to man and operate the ship, (2) persons employed to carry on the business of the ship, and (3) persons on board a ship when they are carried, either because of the obligation laid upon the master to carry shipwrecked, distressed, or other persons in like or similar situations or by reason of any circumstance over which neither the master, the owner, nor the charterer (if any) has control.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/46/E","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(E)"},{"t":"content","text":" \u201cNuclear ship\u201d means a ship provided with a nuclear powerplant.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/47","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(47)"},{"t":"heading","text":"State"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cState\u201d includes the District of Columbia and the Territories and possessions.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/48","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(48)"},{"t":"heading","text":"State commission"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cState commission\u201d means the commission, board, or official (by whatever name designated) which under the laws of any State has regulatory jurisdiction with respect to intrastate operations of carriers.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/49","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(49)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Station license"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cstation license\u201d, \u201cradio station license\u201d, or \u201clicense\u201d means that instrument of authorization required by this chapter or the rules and regulations of the Commission made pursuant to this chapter, for the use or operation of apparatus for transmission of energy, or communications, or signals by radio, by whatever name the instrument may be designated by the Commission.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/50","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(50)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Telecommunications"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201ctelecommunications\u201d means the transmission, between or among points specified by the user, of information of the user\u2019s choosing, without change in the form or content of the information as sent and received.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/51","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(51)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Telecommunications carrier"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201ctelecommunications carrier\u201d means any provider of telecommunications services, except that such term does not include aggregators of telecommunications services (as defined in ","children":[{"t":"ref","text":"section 226 of this title","href":"/us/usc/t47/s226","tail":"). A telecommunications carrier shall be treated as a common carrier under this chapter only to the extent that it is engaged in providing telecommunications services, except that the Commission shall determine whether the provision of fixed and mobile satellite service shall be treated as common carriage."}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/52","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(52)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Telecommunications equipment"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201ctelecommunications equipment\u201d means equipment, other than customer premises equipment, used by a carrier to provide telecommunications services, and includes software integral to such equipment (including upgrades).","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/53","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(53)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Telecommunications service"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201ctelecommunications service\u201d means the offering of telecommunications for a fee directly to the public, or to such classes of users as to be effectively available directly to the public, regardless of the facilities used.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/54","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(54)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Telephone exchange service"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201ctelephone exchange service\u201d means (A) service within a telephone exchange, or within a connected system of telephone exchanges within the same exchange area operated to furnish to subscribers intercommunicating service of the character ordinarily furnished by a single exchange, and which is covered by the exchange service charge, or (B) comparable service provided through a system of switches, transmission equipment, or other facilities (or combination thereof) by which a subscriber can originate and terminate a telecommunications service.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/55","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(55)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Telephone toll service"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201ctelephone toll service\u201d means telephone service between stations in different exchange areas for which there is made a separate charge not included in contracts with subscribers for exchange service.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/56","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(56)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Television service"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/56/A","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(A)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Analog television service"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201canalog television service\u201d means television service provided pursuant to the transmission standards prescribed by the Commission in section 73.682(a) of its regulations (47 C.F.R. 73.682(a)).","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/56/B","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(B)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Digital television service"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cdigital television service\u201d means television service provided pursuant to the transmission standards prescribed by the Commission in section 73.682(d) of its regulations (47 C.F.R. 73.682(d)).","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/57","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(57)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Transmission of energy by radio"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201ctransmission of energy by radio\u201d or \u201cradio transmission of energy\u201d includes both such transmission and all instrumentalities, facilities, and services incidental to such transmission.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/58","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(58)"},{"t":"heading","text":"United States"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cUnited States\u201d means the several States and Territories, the District of Columbia, and the possessions of the United States, but does not include the Canal Zone.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t47/s153/59","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(59)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Wire communication"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The term \u201cwire communication\u201d or \u201ccommunication by wire\u201d means the transmission of writing, signs, signals, pictures, and sounds of all kinds by aid of wire, cable, or other like connection between the points of origin and reception of such transmission, including all instrumentalities, facilities, apparatus, and services (among other things, the receipt, forwarding, and delivery of communications) incidental to such transmission.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"text","text":"\n"},{"t":"text","text":"\n"}]}]}