In addition to keeping up technologically, rural telcos (known as RLECs, rural local exchange carriers), are facing significant regulatory and legislative developments at both the state and federal level which have made serving their customers even more challenging.
News
Phone Assistance Program for the Needy Truly a Life Saver
A program advocated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to help the needy afford phone basic service, Lifeline, is a perfect match for its name.
House Legislation Will Level Playing Field in Telecommunications Industry, Spur Competition
Open, vigorous competition is one of the catalysts for the resurgent Pennsylvania economy. Competition holds down prices and creates more choices for consumers.
Newly introduced legislation balances competitive provisions with consumer protections
Legislation ensuring the customer benefits of a competitive telecommunications industry in Pennsylvania has been introduced in the House.
PUC Promotes Lifeline Awareness Week, Helps Consumers “Stay Connected”
In conjunction with a national initiative to promote Lifeline telephone discount program awareness, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) joined the Community Action Partnership of Cambria County, other state agencies and industry representatives to help residents “stay connected” and learn about rules regarding eligibility at the Head Start Center, Johnstown.
Pennsylvania Telephone Association: Newly introduced legislation balances competitive provisions with consumer protections
Legislation ensuring the customer benefits of a competitive telecommunications industry in Pennsylvania has been introduced in the House by State Rep. Warren Kampf, R-Chester/Montgomery. Known as the Telecommunications Market Competition legislation, House Bill 1608 builds on the provisions of Act 183 of 2004, which are bringing the benefits of universal broadband deployment to citizens all across the Commonwealth. The 2004 law also streamlined the regulation of landline telecommunications carriers so that cutting-edge services could be offered in a developing competitive marketplace.
Pennsylvania’s Rural Telephone Companies Critical of Streamlining Report
The recent release of “Streamlining State Government, Reforming the Regulatory Structure of Pennsylvania” by the Commonwealth Foundation has elicited a mixed response from the Pennsylvania Telephone Association (PTA), the trade-association representing Pennsylvania’s 35 rural telephone companies, according to the group’s President, Steve Samara.