Hot Topics in the communications sector, with links to DRA reports and testimony:
Don’t Cut the LifeLine: Proposed Changes Require In-Depth Review
DRA is paying close attention to other LifeLine reforms that are in the pipeline. The Commission is scheduled to vote on June 4th, 2009 on a series of changes, such as allowing customers to apply their monthly discounts to either wireless or landline basic service. The proposal has numerous unresolved details, would substantially alter the current LifeLine program, and underestimates the effects of the proposed changes on non-LifeLine customers who contribute to the LifeLine fund.
Beginning July 1, 2009, LifeLine Applicants Must Pay Full Prices Until Eligibility Is Confirmed
The program is now gearing up for more changes and DRA has been very actively lobbying to mitigate impacts on low income consumers. In particular, beginning July 1, 2009, people who apply for LifeLine will have to pay full prices until their eligibility is verified by a third party administrator. This new process will create a burden for new LifeLine subscribers who will be required to pay significant upfront costs. DRA has achieved several safeguards to help consumers cope with these changes in how LifeLine works.
DRA’s Efforts Lead to Revised AT&T Service Agreement With Increased Consumer Protection
DRA’s relentless advocacy for consumer protection has successfully prevented AT&T from eliminating customer rights through unreasonable service agreement contracts. On April 16, 2009, the Commission approved a resolution regarding AT&T’s “detariffing” Advice Letter and its associated “Customer Service Agreement.” As part of the resolution, AT&T will amend its previously unjust customer service agreement to make it more “consumer-friendly”, less complex and easier to understand. AT&T has also agreed to remove its “binding arbitration clause,” which was extremely harmful to consumers.
DRA Challenges Phone Company Proposals for Surcharge to Fund Infrastructure Maintenance and Improvements
In this proceeding, the Commission is considering revising and clarifying regulations designed to prevent a certain kind of fire. There are both “extreme” and “very high” fire hazard zones in Southern California where fires may be caused by electric utility transmission or distribution lines, telephone wires, or by other communications infrastructure providers' facilities in proximity to those same lines.
CONSUMER ALERT! AT&T's U-verse Public, Education, & Government (PEG) Viewing Experience
Before you switch from traditional cable TV service to AT&T’s U-verse service, you should be aware that finding your city council meeting or a high school football game on your local PEG (Public, Education, & Government ) channels will be much more difficult than finding a regular, commercial station.
See more Hot Topics at the DRA_Communications_Policy_Hot_Topics_Archive.