R746-8-405a. New Technology Equipment Distribution Program (NTEDP)

  (1) Authority and Purpose.

  (a) This rule section is promulgated pursuant to Utah Code Subsection 54-8b-10(3)(b).

  (b) The purposes of the NTEDP are:

  (i) to explore the feasibility of using tablet devices and/or unlocked cellular telephones to address the telecommunication needs of the deaf, hard of hearing, and severely speech-impaired communities;

  (ii) to determine how best to manage a program in which tablet devices and/or unlocked cellular telephones are provided; and

  (iii) to determine the level of support services that would be required if tablet devices and/or unlocked cellular telephone devices are provided.

  (2) Duration. The NTEDP shall terminate no later than December 31, 2021.

  (3) Participation.

  (a) An individual who wishes to participate in the NTEDP shall:

  (i) submit a completed application form to the Relay Utah office;

  (ii) provide medical documentation of:

  (A) deafness;

  (B) hardness of hearing; or

  (C) severe speech impairment;

  (iii) demonstrate that:

  (A) the individual is receiving assistance from a low-income public assistance program administered by a state agency; or

  (B) has an income of 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline or less for the current year;

  (iv)(A) if applying for a tablet, certify that the individual has consistent access to a WiFi network; or

  (B) if applying for an unlocked cellular telephone, certify that the individual has a service plan in place with a wireless telecommunications provider; and

  (v) certify that the individual is able and willing to comply with Subsection (4).

  (b) Priority may be given to applicants who have previously participated in the Commission's Relay Utah program.

  (c) An applicant who is not selected to participate may request to be placed on a waiting list.

  (d) Participation shall be limited to ten additional participants in each six-month period of the pilot program.

  (4) Participant obligations.

  (a) An individual who is chosen to participate in the NTEDP shall:

  (i) participate in an entrance interview with the Relay Utah office;

  (ii) complete online surveys as instructed by the Relay Utah office;

  (iii) promptly comply with all instructions from the Relay Utah office to download apps;

  (iv) promptly respond to requests from the Relay Utah office for information and feedback;

  (v) maintain the device in the storage case provided;

  (vi) retain all original device packaging, instructions, and information;

  (vii) contact the manufacturer's customer service department for assistance with technical support;

  (viii) promptly report to the Relay Utah office:

  (A) software and hardware failures; and

  (B) damage to the device;

  (ix) take financial responsibility for loss of, or damage to, the device if caused by the individual's misuse or negligence; and

  (x) immediately return the device to the Relay Utah office if the individual:

  (A) moves from the State of Utah;

  (B) is disqualified by the Relay Utah office from further participation in the NTEDP; or

  (C) chooses to terminate the individual's participation in the NTEDP.

  (b) An individual who is chosen to participate in the NTEDP may not:

  (i) reformat or attempt to reformat the device;

  (ii) allow any other person to use the device, except as necessary to assist the participant with telecommunications; or

  (iii) install software, apps, or other programs not authorized by the Relay Utah office.

  (c) A participant who fails to comply with this Subsection (4) may be disqualified from further participation in the NTEDP.

  (5) All devices distributed as part of the NTEDP shall remain the property of the State of Utah Public Service Commission.