Oklahoma Toll-Free Calling Proposal to be Rethought

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission voted unanimously Thursday to allow at least 10 more months of study on a proposal to impose toll-free calling intrastate, citing the need for accurate communication and as much public involvement as possible. It’s key that all stakeholders address issues that could affect the availability of phone service throughout the state, the commission said. The proposal, previously in line to be forwarded to the Legislature April 1 (CD Mar 11 p12), won’t see action before Jan. 19.

The new schedule is warranted so all not only have their voices heard, but also understand the issues, commission Chairman Bob Anthony said. “There are core issues at stake, such as continuing to have the telecommunications infrastructure that both cell phones and land lines as well as Internet access depend upon,” he said. “This proposal would have replaced many of the existing charges that telephone companies already factor into the rates they charge customers,” Anthony said in a statement. “These are not new charges but they have been mischaracterized and falsified by those with their own agenda.”

Oklahoma has the nation’s two largest toll-free calling areas, but more must be done, Vice Chairman Jeff Cloud said. “Today’s unanimous action was largely symbolic because the Commission has already opened a notice of inquiry which will tackle a myriad of important issues and in my judgment, address the fact that there are ‘winners and losers’ in our present system.” Many small communities enjoy economic benefits from large calling areas, but others are punished for being outside them, he said.

All stakeholders have to grasp the problem and help solve it, Commissioner Dana Murphy said. “This is not an issue of whether you use a landline phone, a cellular phone, or an Internet phone service,” she said. “Regardless of the device, all Oklahomans benefit from and need what I call the backbone of the telecommunications system -- landline facilities.” Murphy, who had called for a delay on the proposal, said the state has to define the issues. “This is an issue where I think we should find out what customers want, not just tell them what we think they need."

"When the commission revisits this issue next year, it should consider a more targeted solution that ensures universal availability of telephone service in Oklahoma without stripping away consumers’ choices of long-distance providers,” Verizon media relations manager Lee Gierczynski told us by email.