SS/SCS/SB 698 - Incumbent local exchange telecommunications companies (ILECs) must reduce their originating and terminating intrastate switched exchange access rates by 6% of the difference between their intrastate and interstate exchange access rates each year for a period of ten years. After the ten-year period, the intrastate rate should be 60% closer to the amount of the interstate rate. The act exempts certain small ILECs from the reduction requirement. Any ILEC that is subject to the intrastate exchange access rate reduction that has not already been classified as competitive shall automatically be deemed competitive and will no longer be subject to price-caps. Any increase in basic local residential phone service by such companies shall be limited to $2 per line per month for a period of 4 years after the ILEC has been deemed competitive. This act is similar to HCS/HB 1750 (2010), SS/SCS/HCS/HB 495 (2009) and includes provisions similar to HB 898 (2009), HB 878 (2009), and SS/SCS/SB 555 (2009). ERIKA JAQUES