For the purpose of this Article, the following definitions shall apply:
(A) “Network connection(s)” means the number of voice grade communications channels directly between a subscriber and a telecommunication carrier’s public switched network without the intervention of any other telecommunication carrier’s switched network which would be required to carry the subscribers interpremises traffic.
(B) “Transmitting messages” shall have the meaning ascribed to a term in Chapter 24; Section 8–11‑2 of the Illinois Municipal Code.
(C) “Telecommunication carrier” means any natural individual, form, trust, estate, partnership, association, joint stock company, joint adventure, corporation, municipal corporation or political subdivision of this State, or a receiver, trustee, conservator or other representative appointed by the order of any court engaged in the business of transmitting messages by means of electricity.