Home Page > Publications and Reports > Consumer Brochures > Rights as Telephone Customer
Florida law now allows competition for local telephone services. The Florida Public
Service Commission wants to insure that this transition is as smooth as possible
and to inform customers about their rights and choices.
be
served by any local telephone company providing service in your neighborhood
examine
the company's published rates, services and service standards at any business office
access
operator services
access
emergency services such as 911
expect
a prompt and thorough response from your local telephone company when you have questions
or complaints
access
any available long distance service provider
access
relay services for the hearing impaired The Public Service Commission has staff
who will
call
the Florida Public Service Commission at 1-800-342-3552 for answers to questions
or to have the Commission investigate a complaint on your behalf phone services.
check
your phone bill for accuracy by reviewing services, calls and charges
be
careful about who uses your phone to avoid unexpected charges
use
your phone for lawful purposes only
attempt
to resolve disputes about billing or service with your local telephone company before
contacting the Florida Public Service Commission
- I keep hearing about competitive local telephone companies in my area. How can
I continue to receive local service from the telephone company I have now?
- Nothing will change unless you choose to select an competitive local telephone company.
- When can I choose an competitive local telephone company?
- As soon as an competitive local telephone company begins offering service in your
area. Florida law allows competition effective January 1, 1996.
- Will I receive a ballot asking me to choose a local telephone company?
- No. When and if an competitive local telephone company begins to offer services in
your area, you will likely learn of it through traditional marketing and advertising
methods.
- How has the telecommunications legislation of 1996 affected my phone rates?
- By and large, your telephone rates will depend upon what company you select to provide
your local telephone service. Local telephone companies in operation before 1996
were not allowed to increase their rates for basic telephone service until January
1, 1999, except in extreme circumstances. Competitive local exchange companies are
expected to price their service competitively, but are not presently bound by any
price caps.
- How can I learn more about how telecommunications legislation affects my telephone
service?
- This brochure is just one of the ways the Florida Public Service Commission works
to keep you informed about changes in the telecommunications industry and how they
affect you. Both the Commission and telecommunications companies will provide additional
consumer information as needed through bill inserts, local media, public service
announcements and customer hearings.
- Will my telephone number change if I select an competitive local telephone company?
- No, you may keep your existing telephone number.
- What are some of the services local telephone companies are required to provide?
- They must provide dial tone for voice-grade, flat-rate residential and single-line
business services; unlimited local calls within a local exchange area; access to
emergency services, long distance companies, directory assistance, operator services,
relay services and an alphabetical directory listing.
- Where can I verify the rates, service offerings, and service standards of the
local telephone company that I have selected?
- You can view your selected telephone company's published rates, services offerings
and service standards at any of the company's business offices. In addition, competitive
local telephone companies are required to provide quality of service information
to the customer no later than the first bill.
- Can I still contact the Public Service Commission if I have a problem with my
local telephone service?
- Yes, the Public Service Commission will continue to insure the rights of all Florida
consumers to obtain basic local telephone service, insure service quality, and assist
consumers who have complaints about rates and service. You may call the Public Service
Commission toll free at 1-800-342-3552.
The Public Service Commission has staff who will assist you if you have questions
or problems concerning local telephone service.
Call the Division of Regulatory Compliance and Consumer Assistance at 1-800-342-3552
and a complaint analyst will be glad to help you.
You can also fax your complaint to 1-800-511-0809,
or you can contact the PSC via the following Internet E-mail Address:
contact@psc.state.fl.us
Or write to the:
Florida Public Service Commission
Division of Regulatory Compliance and Consumer Assistance
2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0850
Or visit our contact page for more information.
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