Telecommunication Frequently Asked Questions
- What sorts of telecommunications services are available in Oklahoma?(Answer)
Different telephone companies provide a variety of telecommunications services to consumers. Telecommunications services include traditional wire line telephone service, wireless telephone service, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone service, long distance toll service, Internet services, and many other forms of electronic communication.
- Does the Oklahoma Corporation Commission regulate all telecommunication Companies and services of Oklahoma?(Answer)
The Commission generally regulates companies that provide traditional wire line telephone service and long distance toll services. The Commission has less or no regulatory oversight over companies that provide wireless telephone services, VoIP services, Internet services, and cable television services, and other forms of electronic communication.
- If the Commission does not regulate a particular company or service, who does?(Answer)
If the Commission does not regulate a particular company or service, then the Federal Communications Commission has regulatory authority over the company or service.
- Are consumers required to subscribe to a particular telephone company?(Answer)
In Oklahoma, consumers are permitted to choose their telephone company. In many locations, several choices of telephone companies are available. In other locations, few choices of telephone companies are available.
- Can the Commission require a telephone company to to serve an area where choices are limited or unavailable?(Answer)
Telephone companies are required to seek Commission approval before expanding into a new service territory. Further, the Commission may require some companies to serve all customers in a particular service territory where the company is already serving customers. However, the Commission may not require a company to expand into a new service territory. Telephone companies typically evaluate the economic benefit of expanding into a new service territory and the company decides whether expansion is appropriate.
- Can the Commission require a telephone company to provide services like high-speed Internet to customers?(Answer)
The Commission is barred from regulating high-speed Internet by 17 O.S. 139.110. Accordingly, the Commission may not require a telephone company to provide high-speed Internet to its customers.
- How are telephone rates set?(Answer)
The Commission does not set telephone rates. Telephone rates are set by the telephone companies. Telephone companies file tariffs with the Commission that establish rates. Tariffs are reviewed by the Commission and the Commission may seek to modify a tariff or rate that is not in the public interest.
- How do I get a phone directory?(Answer)
Many telephone companies will deliver a business and residential telephone directory to their customers, automatically and free of charge. Other telephone companies provide customers a choice of a paper directory or a compact disc containing an electronic copy of the paper directory, all free of charge. Consumers may also use a variety of Internet sources to find residential and business listings.
To acquire an ATT Oklahoma directory call 1-800-792-2665. - What are the fees and taxes included on my bill and who sets the rate to be charged?(Answer)