Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

Telecommunications

Ohio's new telecom legislation - SB 162 and HB 276

Effective September 2010 - With the passage of the new telecommunications law, Senate Bill 162:

Allows annual rate increases of $1.25 for the monthly price for basic local service for Ohio's landline telephone companies, who can show at least minimal competition exists;
Allows bills of low-income Lifeline customers' who subscribe to basic local service to increase beginning in January, 2012.
Weakens or removes consumer protections in important areas such as customer credits, billing, deposits and reconnection standards for customers with packages or bundles of telephone service; and
Expands a service that provides free voicemail for Ohioans in-need;

General Information

In some parts of the state, consumers can choose among several companies for their local telephone service. However the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) is concerned that this competition may be eliminated in the near future. Decisions by the Federal Communications Commission and federal courts mean that competitors may not be able to lease critical parts of the local telephone system at reasonable prices. Unless they can use the system for a fair price, competitors will no longer be able to offer service to residential consumers. As your residential utility consumer advocate, the OCC advocates for rules and decisions that will allow competition to continue.

The OCC is here to help you make sense of today's telephone market. We provide fact sheets on topics such as how to choose a local or long-distance telephone provider, how to read a telephone bill and what your rights are as a telephone consumer along with other related materials.

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OCC has had to cancel many of its services, including its consumer call center, due to recent budget cuts. We realize you may continue to need assistance with your utility services. OCC's website provides free access to publications and resources.

You may seek assistance with utility complaints from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio: 800-686-7826. For complaints about non-utility related services, you may call the Ohio Attorney General at 800-282-0515.