As I understand it the NEC applies in any state, county or local jurisdiction which has adopted it -- which is most. There may be local codes which explicitly amend any NEC requirement though.
Which edition of the NEC are you looking at? In the 2002 edition article 250.54 relates to supplementary electrodes which MAY be bonded, not MUST. 250.58 does seem to correspond with 250.54 in earlier editions though, so that could be the section you are looking at.
Chapter 8 of the NEC also relates specifically to communication systems. Article 800.40(D) in the 2002 edition states:
QUOTE Bonding of Electrodes. A bonding jumper not smaller than 6 AWG copper or equivalent shall be connected between the communications grounding electrode and power grounding electrode system at the building or structure served where separate electrodes are used. /QUOTE
No. I don't know how far back the requirement goes, but the 1971 NEC says much the same thing in article 800-31(b)(7):
QUOTE Bonding of Electrodes. A bond not smaller than No. 6 copper or equivalent shall be placed between the communication and power grounding electrodes where the requirements of (5) above result in the use of separate electrodes. /QUOTE
Disclaimer: Being British I'm just an outside observer to the NEC. I could post your query in a Stateside electrical forum where we have some NEC experts though, if you wish.
- Paul