S.C. Code § 58-9-360
No telephone utility shall for rate-making purposes, capitalize its franchises, rights, powers or privileges or its right to own and operate or enjoy any such franchise, rights, powers or privileges in excess of the amount paid to the State or to any political subdivision of the State as the consideration for the grant thereof or capitalize any lease or contract of sale for consolidation or merger of two or more telephone utilities; nor shall the Commission permit any such capitalization by a telephone utility nor shall any telephone utility issue by way of substitution any capital stock, trust certificates, bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness or other securities for any consolidated or merged company exceeding the aggregate value of the properties so consolidated or merged and any additional sum of money actually contributed in cash and additional property or labor actually contributed. The determination of such consideration or value as aforesaid shall be subject to the approval of the Commission.
S.C. Code § 58-9-360