News from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission

Matt Skinner, Public Information Officer

Phone: (405) 521-4180, FAX: (405) 522-1623, www.occ.state.ok.us

March 29, 2001

CORPORATION COMMISSION MOVES TO PROTECT PHONE CUSTOMERS

(Oklahoma City) – Saying the changes are needed to improve competition and protect consumers, the Corporation Commission has given unanimous approval to new rules for telephone service and long distance providers in Oklahoma.

Among the new requirements:

·Providers must have a “live” person available to speak with customers during regular business hours

·Customers facing suspension or cut-off of service will be provided a “window” during which the phone can still be used to summon emergency help.

·Phone bills must be made more uniform and easier to understand.

·Unless other arrangements have been made, customers must be provided a written copy of their phone bill, and the billing must be done on a monthly basis.

·Providers must respond to inquiries from the Consumer Services Division of the Commission made on behalf of customers having problems.

·Increased protection against “slamming” (the unauthorized change of a customer’s long distance provider).

Commission Vice-Chair Denise Bode says there’s no doubt the changes are needed.

“These rules are a direct response to the concerns that have been expressed to us by customers,” said Bode. “They are also needed if competition is going to truly work in a way that will benefit the consumer. They will help provide customers with information in an easily understandable form they can use to compare and contrast service providers and make an informed choice.”

The rules will now be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature for their approval.

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