(1) Section 69-3-201 , MCA, requires every public utility to furnish reasonably adequate service and facilities. The purpose of these rules is to establish certain minimum standards for determining if regulated telecommunications service provided on a retail basis is adequate. The commission will liberally construe these rules and may require additional standards when necessary to provide adequate service.

(2) Except as may be otherwise provided in a specific rule, these service rules apply to any carrier operating in Montana and subject to the commission's jurisdiction.

(3) If the application of any rule results in an unreasonable hardship to a carrier or a customer, either may apply for waiver of the rule.