Telephone Equity Act of 1983

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Telephone Equity Act of 1983 - Provides that a specified decision of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) relating to telephone access charges (C.C. docket numbered 78-72) shall cease to have effect. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require the FCC to establish a system of charges to compensate exchange common carriers (local telephone companies) for exchange access and to change the system of settlements and jurisdictional separation of property and expenses in force on the date of enactment of this Act. Sets forth the purposes of the system of charges, including ensuring the continued universal availability of telephone service. Requires exchange common carriers to file with the FCC a tariff for exchange access for each of its exchange areas. Authorizes a carrier to file, or the FCC or State commission to require a carrier to file, a joint tariff for exchange access for all its exchange areas within a single State until a specified date. Requires carriers to submit a joint tariff for exchange access if more than one exchange common carrier serves an exchange area and to divide revenues in a manner approved by the FCC. Authorizes a State commission to authorize or r…