Us Code § 924 - Definition of telephone service and rural area

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 924 — Definition of telephone service and rural area, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 924. Definition of telephone service and rural area

(a) As used in this subchapter, the term "telephone service" shall be deemed to mean any communication service for the transmission or reception of voice, data, sounds, signals, pictures, writing, or signs of all kinds by wire, fiber, radio, light, or other visual or electromagnetic means, and shall include all telephone lines, facilities, or systems used in the rendition of such service; but shall not be deemed to mean message telegram service or community antenna television system services or facilities other than those intended exclusively for educational purposes, or radio broadcasting services or facilities within the meaning of section 153(o) 1 of title 47.

(b) As used in this subchapter, the term "rural area" shall be deemed to mean any area of the United States not included within the boundaries of any incorporated or unincorporated city, village, or borough having a population in excess of 5,000 inhabitants.

(May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title II, §203, as added Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 776, §5, 63 Stat. 948; amended Pub. L. 87–862, Oct. 23, 1962, 76 Stat. 1140; Pub. L. 101–624, title XXIII, §2354, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4039; Pub. L. 103–129, §2(c)(5), Nov. 1, 1993, 107 Stat. 1364.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 153 of title 47, referred to in subsec. (a), was subsequently amended and no longer contains a subsec. (o). However, the term "broadcasting" is defined elsewhere in that section.

Amendments

1993—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–129 substituted "5,000" for "one thousand five hundred".

1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–624 inserted "or reception" after "transmission" and "data," after "voice,", and substituted "by wire, fiber, radio, light, or other visual or electromagnetic means" for "through the use of electricity between the transmitting and receiving apparatus".

1962—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 87–862 included the transmission of sounds, signals, pictures, writing, or signs of all kinds within "telephone service", and substituted "message telegram service or community antenna television system services or facilities other than those intended exclusively for educational purposes" for "telegraph services or facilities".

1 See References in Text note below.

About This Section

7 U.S.C. § 924 is part of Title 7 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 7 U.S.C. § 924. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 924

What does United States Code § 924 cover?

Section 924 ("Definition of telephone service and rural area") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 924?

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Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 924 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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