4. Category of Proceeding

The Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure require that an order instituting rulemaking preliminarily determine the category of the proceeding and the need for hearing.¹⁰⁴ Pursuant to Rule 7.1(d), we preliminarily determine this rulemaking to be "quasi-legislative" as that term is defined in Rule 1.3(d). The preliminary determination is not appealable, but shall be confirmed or changed by assigned Commissioner's ruling pursuant to Rule 7.3, and such ruling as to the category is subject to appeal under Rule 7.6.

Our purpose is to solicit comments from interested parties regarding the appropriate rules for implementing a program to require Interconnected VoIP service providers to contribute to the California Public Purpose Programs for the purpose of furthering the goals of universal service. We contemplate that this proceeding will be conducted through a written record. An order will issue based on the record established in this docket. However, the Commissioner and Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) assigned to this OIR may adjust this preliminary assessment as necessary.

¹⁰⁴ Rule 7.1(d).