In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Telegraph company” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article. “Telegraph lines” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article. “Telephone company” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article. “Telephone lines” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article. An employee or agent of a telegraph company or telephone company, or of a person operating telegraph lines or telephone lines for profit in the State, may not: willfully divulge the contents or nature of the contents of a private communication that is entrusted to the person for transmission or delivery; or willfully refuse or neglect to transmit or deliver a private communication. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.