(a) The commission may require that each local exchange area have access to local and interexchange telecommunications service, except as otherwise provided by this section.
(b) The commission shall allow a telecommunications utility to discontinue service to a local exchange area if:
(1) comparable service is available in the area; and
(2) discontinuing the service is not contrary to the public interest.
(c) This section does not authorize the commission to require a telecommunications utility to initiate service to a local exchange area to which the telecommunications utility:
(1) did not provide service during the preceding 12-month period; and
(2) has not provided service previously for a cumulative period of at least one year.
Official text of the Texas Utilities Code as published by the Texas Legislative Council.