Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel
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OCC Testifies on Effects of Telecom Deregulation
Apr. 03, 2013 – The Select Committee on Telecommunications Regulatory Reform held its second meeting to review the impact of SB 162 (128th General Assembly). The Consumers' Counsel holds a seat on the Committee. OCC provided testimony to the Committee regarding the effect of further deregulating the rates and service quality protections for Ohio's landline telephone customers.
OCC Testifies on Effects of Telecom Deregulation
General Information
The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) advocates on behalf of residential telephone customers in cases before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and at the federal level, through its membership in the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates. OCC also advocates for residential telephone consumers regarding legislation considered by the Ohio General Assembly.
Educational Information
OCC offers fact sheets on important telecommunications issues affecting Ohioans, such as Universal Service Fund: Improving access to telecommunications services, Your guide to choosing among many telephone options, How to Avoid Getting Crammed, How to Avoid Getting Slammed and others.
Legislative Action
In 2012, the Ohio General Assembly considered legislation that would have allowed some telephone companies to withdraw basic local telephone service from their customers. OCC expressed several concerns to the legislature regarding the proposal (Senate Bill 271) and its potential impact on Ohio’s telephone consumers. The Bill passed through the Senate in February 2012, but was not taken up for a vote in the House of Representatives. To learn more about this proposal click here.
In 2010, Ohio laws regarding landline telephones were changed. To learn more about the changes to Ohio law, click here.
Utility Assistance Information
Consumer Alerts
Stay Connected covers programs for lower income Ohioans to assist with utility services.
Office
of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel - Your Residential Utility Consumer
Advocate 10 West Broad Street, Suite 1800, Columbus, Ohio 43215-3485
1-877-742-5622 (toll-free in Ohio) or 614-466-8574
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The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel is an equal opportunity employer and provider of services.