Alternatives to Ameritech; With 40 companies filing service plans, 2001 could be the year of real choice in telephone service.

Crain's Detroit Business, October, 2000 by Roush, Matt

Okay, they really, really mean it this time. After years of predictions, the year 2001 will be the year when small businesses have real choice in local telephone service. At least that's what state regulators and local telephone consultants are saying as 2000 rolls toward its close. More than 140 companies are licensed to provide local phone service in Michigan.

Of that number, 40 have filed detailed service plans and rate schedules, called tariffs, with the state Public Service Commission. That's a prerequisite to being allowed to sell phone service here. A table listing those companies, with contact information, appears on page 15. State officials say they polled all licensees last summer about their business plans, publishing a report Aug. 15. Its...

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