Sec. 53.251.  GENERAL POLICY.  Regulatory policy should recognize that:
(1)  there are differences between small and large incumbent local exchange companies;
(2)  there are a large number of customer-owned telephone cooperatives and small, locally owned investor companies;  and
(3)  it is appropriate to provide incentives and flexibility to allow an incumbent local exchange company that serves a rural area to:
(A)  provide existing services;  and
(B)  introduce new technology and new services in a prompt, efficient, and economical manner.
Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 166, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.