Miracle of the Bells: the simplified phone bill

Article Abstract:

Regional Bell operating companies, such as Ameritech, are testing reformatted monthly statements. The reappraisal of an important regular contact with customers comes as consumers voiced frustration and confusion over billing, to both telcos and the FCC. Local telcos have become the point of entry into homes and business for a variety of telecom services. Their bills are complex, and the contact point for questions about fees and surcharges can be difficult to discern. Aggressive marketing practices can further confuse consumers. They find themselves connected to telcos or receiving services they didn't realize they'd agreed to. In addition, competing local service providers to businesses have been tailoring bill information to customer's request. As RBOCs roll out the new statements around the US, consumers are likely to see larger pages with fees grouped differently.

Marketing procedures, Telephone Communications, Marketing, Telephone services, Company marketing practices

---

FCC indicates it has concerns on SBC filing

Article Abstract:

The FCC is questioning SBC Communications Inc.'s bid to provide long distance telephone service in its home state of Texas. The telecommunications concern, one of the Baby Bells created by the break-up of Bell Telephone Co., has been accused by rivals, state arbitrators and the Justice Department of not opening up its local markets, a prerequisite of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. The FCC has been lobbied by SBC's rival phone companies to deny its application. According to one rival carrier, SBC has not met the 14-point checklist established by the telecommunications law governing the opening of home markets to long distance services.

Regulation and Administration of Communications, Electric, Gas, and Other Utilities, Telephone Communication, Telecommunications Regulation, Cases, Telecommunications regulations, United States. Federal Communications Commission, Investigations, United States. Department of Justice, AT&T Inc., NEXTLINK Communications Inc., NXLK, SBC, Regional Bell Operating Companies, Rhythms NetConnections Inc., RTHM

---

FCC rules dialing Web is long distance

Article Abstract:

The Federal Communications Commission, in a ruling unlikely to affect the cost of online services, ruled that dialing up the Internet is a long distance, not local, call. The primary result of this decision is to favor Bell Regional Holding Companies over local phone companies. Roughly $600 million in fees are generated each year by independent phone companies from the Bells in the form of 'reciprocal compensation'. There is likely to be further legal action over whether the Bells are required to still pay 'reciprocal compensation' under existing agreements.

Internet, Industry legal issue

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: The price is wrong; FCC prods U.S. carriers to renegotiate overseas long-distance fees. FCC plans caps for interstate telephone rates; proposal could streamline Baby Bells and others, replace limit on profits
• Abstracts: Canada allows competition in market for long-distance telephone service. BCE's Bell Canada unit plans to launch electronic data and transaction service
• Abstracts: Bell firms to get data-services opening, but long-distance, gear curbs upheld. Two groups blast Bell companies' gloomy assessment
• Abstracts: Motorola moves to ease fears of safety of cellular phones by citing research. Motorola is seeking to counter its rivals to maintain lead in cellular telephones
• Abstracts: MCI announces a discount plan for small firms. Baby boom; the Bells are heading for long distance. Brace yourself

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.