Code of Alabama - Title 37: Public Utilities and Public Transportation - Section 37-4-108 - Powers and duties of commission generally

Section 37-4-108 - Powers and duties of commission generally.

(a) The commission shall have the power and jurisdiction to supervise and regulate every radio utility operating within this state and its property, property rights, equipment, facilities, contracts, certificates and franchises so far as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this article, and to do all things, whether specifically designated in this article or in addition thereto, which are necessary or convenient in the exercise of such power and jurisdiction. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the commission is authorized to adopt and enforce such reasonable rules and regulations and orders as it may deem necessary with respect to rates, charges and classifications, issuance of certificates, territory of operation, abandonment or suspension of service, adequacy of service, prevention or elimination of unjust discrimination between subscribers, financial responsibility, records, reports, safety of operation and equipment and to otherwise accomplish the purposes of this article and to implement its provisions.

(b) The commission may, after affording an opportunity for hearing, order a radio utility to make any reasonable repair or improvement of or addition to such system.

(c) The commission shall from time to time visit the places of business and other premises and examine the records and facilities of all radio utilities to ascertain if all rules and regulations and orders of the commission have been complied with, and shall have the power to examine all officers, agents and employees of such radio utilities, and all other persons, under oath, and to compel the production of papers and the attendance of witnesses to obtain the information necessary for administering the provisions of this article.

(d) The commission shall have the power and authority to institute all proceedings and investigations, hear all complaints, issue all process and orders and render all decisions necessary to enforce the provisions of this article or of the rules, regulations and orders adopted thereunder, or to otherwise accomplish the purposes of this article.

(e) The commission shall have the right to institute, or to intervene as a party in, any action in any court of competent jurisdiction seeking mandamus, injunctive or other relief to compel compliance with any provision of this article or of any rule, regulation or order adopted thereunder, or to restrain or otherwise prevent or prohibit any illegal or unauthorized conduct in connection therewith.

(Acts 1971, No. 1595, p. 2733, §9.)

Last modified: May 3, 2021