Hot Topics in the communications sector, with links to DRA reports and testimony:
Consumer Alert to AT&T Residential Agreement
August, 2008 - This month AT&T customers are receiving a Residential Service Agreement as a bill insert with their telephone bill. Please be aware, this new service agreement provides for numerous changes to AT&T customers’ current service arrangements.
DRA Opposes Telephone Deregulation
DRA opposes the Commission's proposed elimination of regulation, and urges the Commission to preserve basic service rates, to protect service quality and maintain affordability for basic telephone services.
DRA Addresses Consumer Affordability and Continued Protection
DRA urges the Commission to consider consumers' interest in pending Decisions.
DRA Supports Commissioner Simon's Back-up Power Proposal
DRA supports Proposed Decision that requires battery back-up power supplies located on customer premises to have the capacity to maintain several hours of service during a power outage.
DRA Pushes for Back-Up Power Standards to Keep Phones Working in Emergencies
Determining the need for performance reliability standards for back-up power systems.
DRA Fights to Reduce Subsidies Paid by Customers to Big Phone Companies
This is a proceeding opened to (1) satisfy the requirements for review of the B-Fund program; (2) institute urgently-needed reforms; and (3) respond to concerns of the Legislature, consumer groups, and DRA as to the size of the B-Fund, which provides subsidies to high cost areas of the state.
DRA Fights for Fair Rules for Limited English Speaking Customers
A Commission proceeding that addresses the special needs of California phone customers who don’t speak fluent English.
DRA Supports Reviewing and Updating Programs for Low Income and Deaf and Disabled Customers
This rulemaking is a comprehensive review of the Commission’s Telecommunications Public Policy Programs – California LifeLine, Payphone Programs, Deaf and Disabled, Telecommunications Program, and California Teleconnect Fund.