News from the Oklahoma Corporation
Commission
Phone: (405)
521-4180, FAX: (405) 522-1623, www.occeweb.com
A
BREAK FOR AMERICA’S DEFENDERS
Commission approves Bell fee waiver for some members of the military
(Oklahoma
City) There’s one less worry for military personnel in Oklahoma deployed as
part of America’s war on terrorism. They won’t have to concern themselves with
the reconnection charges normally assessed Oklahoma Southwestern Bell customers
at the time telephone service is restored.
The
Commission today unanimously approved an order granting Southwestern Bell’s
request that it be allowed to provide a waiver of non-recurring charges for Military
Reservists, National Guard, and full time Military Personnel who are forced to
disconnect their SWB telephone service due to being deployed as part of
Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Noble Eagle.
Commission
Chairman Denise Bode praised the Bell request.
“Southwestern
Bell’s action is commendable, and I encourage all their competitors and other
utility companies in Oklahoma to follow the example set by Bell. This is one
way such companies can support our brave men and women of the military and
contribute to the war on terrorism.”
Vice-Chair
Bob Anthony noted the Commission approved a similar waiver in 1991 for those
deployed as part of Operation Desert Storm.
“I
am pleased that Southwestern Bell has again requested this waiver, this time to
help our military personnel deployed in our country’s war on terrorism,”
Anthony said.
Commissioner
Ed Apple hopes the order will serve as an example to all Oklahomans.
“We have many military
families in Oklahoma,” said Apple. “This order should encourage all of us to do what we can to support
our armed forces. It's the least we can do.”
The
fee waivers will take effect January 2, 2002. The fees in question are those
one-time charges normally assessed an Oklahoma SWB customer when their service
is reconnected. They include a fee of $44.45 for a residential line, $20.00 for
a second line, and $11.00 per calling feature package.
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