News from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission

Jim Palmer, Director of Information

October 21, 1999

COMMISSIONERS MOVE AHEAD WITH TELECOM TRANSITION FOR COMPETITION AND GREATER INVESTMENT IN OKLAHOMA

Having completed the rulemaking portion of establishing consumer protections during the time needed for competitors to enter the local phone market, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission is moving ahead with the job of developing incentives to transition Oklahoma’s local phone markets to competition.

Commission Chairman Bob Anthony said "Obviously, none of this works without having active, aggressive competitors in the market. Therefore, our transition plan must continue with its primary focus on incentives to draw competitors into the market while improving infrastructure in those areas not likely to attract competition on their own merit."

Commissioner Denise Bode talked with Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton Taylor and others about the concerns of legislative leaders and with Senator Cal Hobson about his push for Southwestern Bell money for common education. Bode made it clear she "will take their concerns under advisement" as the Commission enters the second half or transition phase of planning for alternative regulation.

Through it’s Telecommunications Advisory Group (TAG), the Oklahoma Corporation Commission has conducted more than 20 public meetings for the purpose of gathering input on the needs of both residential and business telecom users. The commissioners also held public meetings as recently as September 27, in Tulsa and September 22 in Oklahoma City to discuss openly the condition of the state’s telecommunications infrastructure and how to boost investment in high cost rural areas.

The Commissioners are not dealing with alternative regulation only for how much money Bell might be able to contribute to specific issues. There are important incentives to be devised to attract competition and spur lower prices or more service options for Oklahoma consumers.

The Commission has established a procedural schedule for between now and December 1 when it will conduct final deliberations and vote on a plan of alternative regulation for presentation to the Governor and Legislature.