GTC operates a small telephone exchange in Port St. Joe. After competition was introduced into long-distance calling in the 1980s, the state developed a system whereby long-distance providers would compensate smaller local exchanges for use of their lines. GTC received more than $1.2 million yearly from BellSouth under this arrangement. After the legislature changed the regulatory structure in 1995, BellSouth petitioned the Public Service Commission to end this payment. The PSC granted the request, and GTC appeals.