Section 9Sec./Art. 9

Inter-Exchange Carrier. - The number of entities allowed to provide inter-exchange national long distance services may be limited, but as a matter of policy, where it is economically viable, at least two (2) carriers, shall be authorized: Provided, however, That a local exchange carrier shall not be restricted from operating its own inter-exchange carrier service if its viability is dependent thereto. Such inter-exchange carrier shall have the following obligations:

(a) It shall interconnect with other networks in the same category and with local exchange carriers or other telecommunications entities, upon application and within a reasonable time period, and under fair and reasonable level charges, in order that domestic and international long distance services are made possible; and

(b) It shall have the right to establish and operate its own tandem switching facilities to which international calls or overseas carriers have to course their messages or signals.