Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

Media Center

Ohio Consumers’ Counsel files complaint against long-distance company UMCC

COLUMBUS, Ohio – May 7, 2007 – The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) today will file a complaint against UMCC, a company that is allegedly providing long-distance service without the certificate required by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). In December, UMCC acquired the customer accounts of Buzz Telecom, an Indiana-based company that has been the target of customer complaints of misleading marketing practices and switching long-distance service without customers’ permission.

“Some Ohio consumers who were on Buzz Telecom’s customer list have received bills from UMCC for service charges and other fees in spite of the fact that this company has no certificate by state regulators to provide long-distance service,” said Janine Migden-Ostrander, Consumers’ Counsel. “Considering Buzz’ problems, these bills add insult to injury to customers. UMCC should be held accountable for any violations of Ohio’s telephone consumer protection standards.”

In today’s filing at the PUCO, the OCC will request that UMCC be ordered to reimburse all consumers for any payments made since December 1; that the company be immediately ordered to cease and desist from billing and collecting payments from Ohio consumers while the complaint is pending; that the PUCO find that UMCC has failed to comply with Ohio laws and rules; and that the PUCO assess penalties of $10,000 per violation of Ohio law.

Beyond failing to receive a certificate to provide telephone service, UMCC has also failed to include the OCC’s and PUCO’s contact information as required under Ohio’s Minimum Telephone Service Standards. More than 30 Ohio consumers have complained about UMCC to the PUCO; however, other consumers may not know where to have their problems resolved.

Last year, the OCC called for the PUCO to order Buzz Telecom to stop serving Ohioans and that a formal PUCO investigation be launched. The PUCO ordered Buzz Telecom to stop marketing to consumers and told the company to “show cause” as to why its operations should not be permanently revoked. In the PUCO investigation, the OCC asked for sizable fines against Buzz Telecom.

About the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer 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 www.pickocc.org.