For the purpose of this article the following words and phrases shall have the meaning respectively ascribed to them by this section.
NETWORK CONNECTION. The number of voice grade communication channels directly between a subscriber and without the intervention of any other telecommunications carriers switched network which would be required to carry the subscriber's interpremises traffic.
TRANSMITTING MESSAGES. The meaning ascribed to that term in § 8-11-2 of the Illinois Municipal Code, 65 ILCS 5/8-11-2 (1992).
TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIER. Any natural individual, firm, trust, estate, partnership, association, joint stock company, joint venture, corporation or political subdivision of this state, or a receiver, trustee, conservator or other representative appointed by order of any court engaged in the business of transmitting messages by means of electricity.