News from the Oklahoma Corporation
Commission
Phone: (405)
521-4180, FAX: (405) 522-1623, www.occ.state.ok.us
A
BREAK FOR AMERICA’S DEFENDERS
Commission approves another fee waiver request for some members of the military
(Oklahoma
City) There’s one less worry for many 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 Valor customers at the time
telephone service is restored.
The
Commission this week unanimously approved an order granting Valor’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 Valor telephone service due to being deployed as part of
Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Noble Eagle. Valor’s request came on
the heels of a similar request from Southwestern Bell, which was granted by the
Commission on December 20th.
Commission
Chairman Denise Bode praised Valor’s request.
“At
the time of our approval of the Southwestern Bell request, I publicly
encouraged their competitors and other utility companies in Oklahoma to follow
their example. Valor is to be commended for ‘stepping up to the plate’ in such
a forthright manner. 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 and Valor have 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 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 Valor customer when their
service is reconnected.
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