Around The States

Telecom Policy Report, August 20, 2007

The PSC will continue to regulate quality of service, service termination and other billing issues.

Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission reauthorized the telephone charge residents in Juniata and Wayne counties pay for their local 911 system. Juniata County, a seventh-class county, did not request a change in the current contribution rate of $1.50 per telephone line. Juniata County's 911 service area has a population of about 22,887. Wayne County, a sixth-class county, did not request a change in the current contribution rate of $1.50 per telephone line. Wayne County's 911 service area has a population of about 47,722.

The PUC also issued a final rulemaking that brings its regulations in line with legislative changes to the manner in which the PUC governs long- distance interexchange telecommunications carriers (IXCs). The commission voted 5-0 to adopt the final rulemaking that no longer requires IXCs to file tariffs for the intrastate competitive services and establishes a permissive detariffing policy for the statutory categories of competitive service offered by IXCs. Accordingly, IXC applicants can withdraw their respective tariffs already filed with the Commission.

South Dakota

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission will host "Connecting South Dakota: Wireless Technology," a conference that examines telecommunications in the state, Sept. 18 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. The conference will focus on the use of current and emerging wireless technologies in such practical applications as public safety, business development and rural connectivity. Panelists include telecommunications professionals, policy makers, local leaders and industry consultants who will describe their experiences. Steve Largent, president and CEO of CTIA-The Wireless Association, will deliver the keynote speech. Event details are available at www.puc.sd.gov/wirelessconf.> New York

Suffolk and Nassau County leaders have launched an ambitious plan for wireless Internet access on most of Long Island, awarding the contract to the only bidder who offered the service at no cost to taxpayers. The winning bid came from e-Path Communications, a Fla.-based startup that will partner with two major firms, KeySpan Communications and Cisco Systems, to build, maintain and operate the $150 million system, which is scheduled to be completed in about three years.

The initial service on Long Island, which would provide e-mail and other basic Internet access, would be free in outdoor public places, and some 750 of the Island's 1,200 square miles would be covered. The second tier calls for installation of Wi-Fi devices in private homes, with a projected $25 monthly fee for most users, and free for people whose income is below the federal poverty level. The third tier would provide top-of-the-line service, including games and other services, for a projected fee of $55 per month.

Pennsylvania

A Pennsylvania man who signed up for VoIP service is fighting back after the company continued to charge him after switching his service. Frank Trama signed up for Vonage but decided to switch one of his phone lines to Comcast. He followed FCC suggestions, called Comcast and asked the cableco to remove his phone number from Vonage. Vonage was still charging him for that line four months later.