Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

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Contact: Marty Berkowitz
(614) 387-2962

OCC Opposes AT&T’s Request to Limit Distribution of White Pages Directories

COLUMBUS, Ohio – February 4, 2009 – The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel has opposed AT&T Ohio’s proposal to limit distribution of its printed white pages to only those customers who request them. In a filing at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), the OCC sought consumer protections to ensure that residential consumers who want or need a printed directory continue to be able to receive one free of charge unless they notify the company otherwise.

“Many residential consumers have relied on the white pages for decades,” said Janine Migden- Ostrander, Consumers’ Counsel. “While some customers may have little need for a printed directory, AT&T Ohio’s plan to limit distribution only to those who request a directory is too restrictive. We believe that if AT&T wishes to transition to an electronic directory, their customers should be provided ample time and notice to adjust to the changes and be given every opportunity to share their views with state regulators.”

Last month, the PUCO granted a similar waiver to Cincinnati Bell which the OCC also opposed.

AT&T Ohio requested a waiver of the Minimum Telephone Services Standards (MTSS) requirement that all residential consumers be provided with a free, printed copy of the white pages directory. In opposing the waiver, the OCC stated its concern that customers who have relied on access to a free directory for years would now be forced to contact AT&T Ohio and request a copy.

The OCC recommended that the PUCO require a gradual transition period, so that consumers are automatically provided directories for at least the next two years, if not longer. During this period, consumers would be provided with adequate notice about the potential upcoming change and be invited to address their concerns to the PUCO and to the OCC.

The OCC also requested in its filing that if the PUCO grants AT&T Ohio’s waiver request, it should ensure that the company ship printed directories so that they arrive to the requesting customer within seven days of the request, as well as provide notification of the change in policy through a variety of means, instead of only through its yellow pages directory, as AT&T Ohio proposed. Finally, the OCC requested that any customer notice should state whether AT&T Ohio will provide directory assistance over the telephone free of charge.

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 Web site at www.pickocc.org.