Consumer Advocate Criticizes Bell Atlantic's Planned Pennsylvania Rate Hike.(Originated from The Philadelphia Inquirer)

Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News, February, 1996 by Rozansky, Michael L.

PHILADELPHIA--Feb. 7--Bell Atlantic Corp.'s proposal to raise basic home and business telephone rates in Pennsylvania came under fire Tuesday from the state's consumer advocate, who urged regulators to deny the request.

Consumer Advocate Irwin A. Popowsky, in a complaint filed with the state Public Utility Commission, said Bell Atlantic's proposed $41.6 million increase in basic home phone rates would cost consumers an additional $33 to $36 a year. And he said it could put phone service out of reach for many consumers.

He said the residential increase and an $8.7 million increase in basic business rates would violate a PUC-ordered freeze on basic phone rates through 2000.

The PUC is scheduled to take up the rate plan at its Feb. 22 meeting....

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