C.R.S. § 40-15-201

(1) For purposes of this part 2, except as otherwise provided in this title, each provider of basic local exchange service is declared to be affected with a public interest and a public utility subject to the provisions of articles 1 to 7 of this title, so far as applicable, including the regulation of all rates and charges pertaining to local exchange companies; except that, if a provider applies for and receives commission approval of an alternative form of regulation, or if a provider is a rural telecommunications provider subject to simplified regulatory treatment under section 40-15-203.5 or 40-15-503 (2)(d), the commission shall not consider the provider’s overall rate of return or overall revenue requirements when determining the just and reasonable rate for a particular product or service. The commission may promulgate rules as necessary to implement this part 2. (2) Basic emergency service is declared to be subject to regulation under this part 2 and subject to potential reclassification under section 40-15-207 .