[Cabs-talk] Fwd: [Nfbc-info] Public Participation Hearings on Basic Phone Services

Mon Mar 7 19:35:56 UTC 2011

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Alicia Reyes <areyes at dralegal.org>
Date: Mon, 7 Mar 2011 10:43:36 -0800
Subject: [Nfbc-info] Public Participation Hearings on Basic Phone Services
To: nfbc-info at nfbnet.org

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is proposing changes
to the definition of basic telephone service that would put service
quality and affordability at risk. They are holding public hearings
about this issue throughout California at the following locations:

Redding

March 7, 2011

2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Red Lion Hotel 1830 Hilltop Drive, Sierra Room

Sacramento

March 9, 2011

2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Mack Powell Auditorium 2003 Howe Avenue

San Francisco

March 10, 2011

2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

State Office Building

505 Van Ness Avenue

Bakersfield

March 15, 2011

2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

City Hall Council Chambers

1501 Truxtun Avenue

San Jose

March 21, 2011

2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Scottish Rite Center

2455 Masonic Drive

San Diego

March 23, 2011

2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Al Bahr Shriners Center

5440 Kearny Mesa Road

Los Angeles

March 24, 2011

2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Junipero Serra State Office Building 320 West 4th Street, Suite 500

These proposed changes are important to the disability community for
multiple reasons:

Most people with disabilities depend on effective telecommunication for
daily living and assistance in emergencies. The proposed changes may
increase the cost and decrease the quality of basic telecommunications.

Changes to the elements of basic service will also have a large impact
on the California LifeLine program, which provides basic service at
reduced cost to low income households, including many people with
disabilities.  The changes risk making LifeLine less effective and more
expensive.

Overall, people with disabilities who are disproportionately low-income
should be concerned with the steps being taken to weaken basic service
protections.  All customers are at risk of reduced service quality, and
LifeLine customers may end up with ineffective yet expensive
telecommunication options.

Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) encourages you to attend a public
hearing near you to speak out against the proposed changes. For
additional information please contact: Disability Rights Advocates,
Alicia Reyes or Raziya Brumfield, areyes at dralegal.org
<mailto:areyes at dralegal.org>  or rbrumfield at dralegal.org
<mailto:rbrumfield at dralegal.org> , 510-665-8644.

The Commission has stated that it will provide sign language
interpreters or other interpreters by request, at least 3 to 5 working
days prior to the date needed.

You can contact them at:

CPUC, Public Advisor's Office (PAO)

415.703.2074

866.849.8390 Toll Free

415.703.5282 TTY

866.836.7825 TTY Toll Free

CPUC Proposal: Downgrade home phones-Increase rates

The CPUC proposal downgrades basic home phone service to allow cell
phone companies to receive public subsidies to serve high cost rural
areas with wireless LifeLine service.   Currently, in order to receive
public funds, a company must meet the definition of basic service and
high standards of reliability expected of landline home phones.

The CPUC proposal increases rates for landline  phones by letting phone
companies add a new fee to your monthly bill for receiving calls on your
home phone, and letting them increase the fees they charge each time you
call 411 directory assistance.

Talking Points: Upgrade cell phones-Freeze rates

LifeLine customers need reliable phone service at affordable prices.

LifeLine customers need safe, reliable, affordable phone service
regardless of whether they choose landline or wireless phone service.
If cell phone companies want to serve LifeLine customers, they should
meet the same definition of basic service as landline phones.

Protect 911 connecting to local emergency providers.

In an emergency, everyone with a landline home phone is connected
automatically to local emergency services.  If cell phone companies want
subsidies to provide service in rural communities, their 911 calls must
reach local emergency services, not the highway patrol.

Freeze phone rates-No new fees for incoming calls!

For decades home phone customers have never been charged to receive
phone calls from family, friends, work, or businesses.  Landline phone
companies should not be allowed to charge a new fee for incoming phone
calls just because cell phones charge for incoming calls.

Customers have the right to choose their own long distance company.

Consumers should continue to have the right to choose their own long
distance provider, no matter who provides the basic service.  Cable and
cell phone companies that offer basic service should be required to
offer their customers a choice of long distance companies.

What can you do?

Come to the public participation hearing.  Share your personal story
with the CPUC and let them know how these changes will affect you, your
family and your community.

Alicia Reyes
Communications and Outreach Coordinator
Disability Rights Advocates
2001 Center St., Fourth Floor
Berkeley, CA 94704-1204
510-665-8644 ext. 136
510-665-8716 (tty)
510-665-8511 (fax)

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