News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Shana Eiselstein
614 | 466 7750
COLUMBUS, OHIO (Feb. 11, 2009) – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today granted AT&T Ohio’s request to provide customers with an online, electronic version of the white pages as the primary means to access to telephone directory information. Customers may request that a free printed directory be sent to them by mail.
Under Ohio’s minimum telephone service standards (MTSS), local landline telephone companies must provide customers with directory information through either a printed directory or free directory assistance. This rule also permits companies to provide an electronic directory, in lieu of a printed directory, but only upon a customer’s request.
In January, AT&T requested a waiver of the existing rule to improve efficiency and reduce the environmental impacts associated with printed directories. The company noted that significant resources are expended annually to print and automatically distribute directories to customers who may not want or use them.
The Commission conditionally granted AT&T a waiver of the directory listing rule, finding that the company’s plan to provide an electronic directory with the option to request a printed version continues to protect customers’ interests. The Commission granted a similar waiver to Cincinnati Bell earlier this year.
AT&T publishes electronic directory information online at www.RealPagesLive.com and www.Yellowpages.com. AT&T customers who wish to continue receiving a printed white pages directory may contact the company toll-free and request that one be mailed free of charge to their home or business. AT&T will also provide the Columbus and Cleveland directories on CD-ROM at no charge upon request.
AT&T will continue to deliver its Real Yellow Pages directory to each customer by mail. The printed Real Yellow Pages will include a prominent full page notice with instructions on how to obtain a printed white pages directory, a copy of the AT&T customer rights and responsibilities guide, government listings and the business white pages.
Today’s Commission finding and order is available at www.PUCO.ohio.gov. Click on the link to “Docketing Information System” and enter the case number 09-42-TP-WVR.
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09-42-TP-WVR