TELECOM Digest OnLine - Sorted: Ohio Consumers' Counsel Reacts to FCC's Decision on

Ohio Consumers' Counsel Reacts to FCC's Decision on

Lisa Minter (lisa_minter2001@yahoo.com)
Tue, 09 Nov 2004 22:29:47 -0500

Jack Decker Comment: As you read this and similar statements by
"consumer groups", bear in mind that some of these organizations stand
to lose a lot of their influence, and perhaps their entire reason for
existence, if wireline telephony goes away. You will know which ones
are possibly thinking of their own job security first, and what is
best for consumers second, if all they can do is knock today's FCC
decision.]

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/11-09-2004/0002399895&EDATE=

Ohio Consumers' Counsel Reacts to FCC's Decision on Internet-Based
Telephone Services http//www.pickocc.org

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) made a decision that limits the
authority of individual states over Internet-based telephone services
(called Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP). The Office of the Ohio
Consumers' Counsel (OCC) believes that it is important that states
have the ability to enact consumer protections and safeguards for this
fast-growing technology.

The following statement can be attributed to Janine Migden-Ostrander,
Consumers' Counsel:

"With traditional local telephone competition in jeopardy, the last
thing consumers need is for their new choices to lack any
safeguards. While there is still uncertainty about how much of a role
states will ultimately be able to play, the FCC took away any
authority for them to require VoIP companies to provide customers with
9-1-1 emergency services. When it comes to consumer protections and
public safety issues, states should be in the driver's seat and need
to act."

About the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential
utility advocate, represents the interests of 4.5 million households
in proceedings before state and federal regulators and in the
courts. The state agency also educates consumers about electric,
natural gas, telephone and water issues and resolves complaints from
individuals. To receive utility information, brochures, schedule a
presentation or file a utility complaint, residential consumers may
call 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622) toll free in Ohio or visit the OCC
website at http//www.pickocc.org .

SOURCE Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel
Web Site: http//www.pickocc.org

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