FCC Actions Fixate On Hurricane Emergency

Telecom Policy Report, Sept 12, 2005

One numbering order issued by the FCC due to the hurricane allowed service providers in the storm areas to disconnect residential phone numbers temporarily (but not to reassign them) and other flexibilities with users to avoid billing-dispute issues. Another order temporarily waived or loosened slamming rules that prevent users from being switched illegally to different carriers; it set up streamlined procedures so carriers temporarily can become service providers to customers who are otherwise unable to obtain service due to Katrina.

The FCC also made many additions to its Web site due to the hurricane. Ostensibly for use by those with access from both inside and outside the storm- impacted areas, the site offers emergency information for consumers, communications industries, and state and local governments regarding local TV stations in operation, relief information, special telephone numbers and related important Web sites.

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