Opening Comments Of The Utility Reform Network, National Consumer Law Center And Consumers Union On Draft Decision Of Commission Wood

The Bill of Rights and related rules4 represent the Commission’s efforts to develop new regulations for a telecommunications industry that has changed, figuratively speaking, almost at the speed of electrons over the past few decades. In less than a generation, consumers have moved from dealing exclusively with “Ma Bell” for all of their telecommunications needs to facing a bewildering array of local exchange companies, long distance carriers, cellular companies, and companies offering pre-paid calling cards. The pricing plans and types of service offerings available change almost weekly. It is essential that telephone regulation keep pace with the status of the industry. Consumer Groups applaud the Commission’s efforts to do so.