Definitions

(1) “Act” refers to Chapter 417 of the Public Acts of 1999, now codified at Tenn. Code Ann. § 65- 21-115. (2) “Applicant” means a person who applies to the Tennessee Public Utility Commission for a device to assist with communication through the basic telephone network. (3) “Qualified Applicant” is a person that because of a disability cannot use the basic telephone network effectively without the use of an assistive communications device. (4) “Assistive Communication Device” means special equipment that permits individuals who have a disability to communicate effectively over the telephone network. (5) “Commission” means the Tennessee Public Utility Commission. (6) “Lifeline” means a telephone assistance program that reduces the monthly telephone charges for qualified persons. (7) “Provider” means a telecommunications service provider or a competing telecommunications provider as defined by Tenn. Code Ann. § 65-4-101 whose annual intra-state gross receipts are greater than five million dollars ($5,000,000). (8) “Recipient” means the person whose application for an assistive communications device has been granted by the Commission. (9) “TDAP” or “Program” refers to the Telecommunications Devices Access Program administered by the Tennessee Public Utility Commission. (10) “TDAP Coordinator” refers to the individual employed by the Commission to manage the Program.