DRA Communications Policy in the News
August 17, 2008 - Getting the 411 on phone charges
David Lazarus, in his Consumer Confidential column in the Los Angeles Times, reports on rate hikes by AT&T and Verizon, and quotes from DRA's July 29, 2008 Report on Rate Increases.
Read_his_article in the LA Times.
August 4, 2008 - Telcos, others debate need for additional monitoring reports
Several telecom carriers filing comments last week with the Public Utilities Commission argued that information currently available is more than adequate to sufficiently monitor the market, while groups such as the Division of Ratepayer Advocates contended that the commission is required by law to consistently assess the effectiveness of the telecom market.
Comments were filed last week by several carriers and groups in response to a proposed decision released on July 1 by Commissioner Rachelle Chong relating to the regulation of retail special access, monitoring reports, and consumer protection rules that would conclude the commission's extensive Uniform Regulatory Framework (URF) proceeding.
Read the full article in TR's State NewsWire.
July 31, 2008 - DRA wants cap on basic rate increases extended for three years
The Division of Ratepayer Advocates this week filed a petition with the Public Utilities Commission to extend the rate cap on basic telephone services for an additional three years, through 2012, in order for the commission to conduct an investigation into the affordability of rates for those services.
Read the full article from TR's State NewsWire.
June 11, 2008 - Parties oppose pay phone funding option
Several parties -- including telecom service providers and consumer groups -- filed comments this week in opposition to a proposal that would fund the Public Policy Pay Phone Program (PPPP) with revenue from the California Teleconnect Fund (CTF).
Read_the_full_article from TR's State NewsWire.
May 30, 2008 - Senate agrees to reconsider unlisted phone number proposal
A measure that seeks to prohibit a telephone company from requiring its customers to pay a fee to keep their telephone numbers unlisted, or private, failed to pass the Senate earlier this week. The Senate, however, has agreed to reconsider the proposal.
Read_the_full_article from TR's State NewsWire.
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