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Contact: Ryan Lippe
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Ohio Consumers’ Counsel asks state regulators to reconsider phase-out of AT&T Ohio’s white pages directories

AT&T Ohio’s and other companies’ customers may be affected

COLUMBUS, Ohio – March 13, 2009 – The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) is asking the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to reconsider its allowance of AT&T Ohio to scale back its distribution of residential white pages directories. The OCC will file its Application for Rehearing later today, highlighting the impact the PUCO’s Feb. 11 decision could have on customers of AT&T Ohio and other telephone companies in AT&T Ohio’s service area.

Based on statewide data from Connect Ohio, a public-private partnership to increase access to broadband technology, the OCC concluded that approximately a half-million AT&T Ohio customers either have no computer or no access to the Internet – AT&T Ohio’s alternative to using the traditional phone book for reference. This includes approximately 410,000 customers without a computer and an additional 82,000 customers without Internet access.

In its original request, AT&T Ohio sought a waiver of an existing Minimum Telephone Service Standard (MTSS) requirement from the PUCO, which would enable the company to discontinue delivery of its printed directory to all but those customers specifically requesting one. Instead, an electronic directory would be available on the Internet and CD-ROM.

“Although some customers may have a limited need for a printed copy of the white pages, we are concerned that a significant number of customers will no longer have access to a resource they have relied upon for decades,” said Janine Migden-Ostrander, Consumers’ Counsel. “Most customers may not be aware that they need to specifically request a copy and as a result, be denied access to important information that they need. There should be a comprehensive informational campaign to educate consumers about their directory options.”

In response to AT&T Ohio’s request to limit distribution, the OCC had recommended an “optout” program that would allow customers to elect not to receive a residential white pages directory. Under the OCC’s proposal, delivery would continue to customers who do not opt out. The OCC also requested a phase-in period of up to two years for customers to adjust to the changes. In addition, the OCC called for customers to receive notice of the change in residential white pages delivery through bill messages and bill inserts. Under the PUCO’s decision, customers will be notified only through information in AT&T Ohio’s yellow pages directory.

Several other telephone companies that operate in AT&T Ohio’s area – including Cavalier Telephone, NuVox Communications, Sage Telecom, Talk America and tw telecom – who traditionally have relied on AT&T Ohio to publish directories for their customers also have asked the PUCO to waive their MTSS obligations to distribute the white pages directories to their customers. As with AT&T Ohio’s customers, the OCC is concerned that these companies’ customers will not be adequately notified of the need to contact AT&T Ohio for a printed residential white pages directory.

Customers also should be aware that AT&T Ohio has informed these companies that residential white pages will no longer be automatically delivered to customers in the Cleveland and Columbus markets. The company may identify additional Ohio markets in the future.

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.