PR-09-63 -- PSC Sets Intervention Deadline In Embarq Request For Competitive Classification In Some Of Its Exchanges

Contact: Kevin Kelly (573) 751-9300

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- OCTOBER 3, 2008

JEFFERSON CITY—Embarq Missouri, Inc. (Embarq) has filed an application with the Missouri Public Service Commission seeking competitive classification for all of its business services, other than exchange access services, in 43 exchanges (Appleton City, Butler, California, Centerview, Chilhowee, Clarksburg, Clinton, Cole Camp, Craig, Deepwater, Eugene, Fort Leonard Wood, Greenridge, Hardin, Harrisonville, Henrietta, Holden, Hopkins, Ionia, King City, Lake Lotawana, Leeton, Lexington, Lincoln, Lone Jack, Maryville, Missouri City, Montrose, New Bloomfield, Newburg, Pickering, Richland, Russellville, Sweet Springs, Syracuse, Tarkio, Tipton, Urich, Warsaw, Waverly, Wellington, Weston and Windsor).

Embarq is also seeking competitive classification for all of its residential services, other than exchange access services, in the Lone Jack exchange.

If competitive status is granted, Embarq would no longer be subject to price or rate regulation by the PSC in those exchanges listed above.  Embarq would be permitted to raise or lower telephone rates at its own discretion, subject to the marketplace.

Applications to intervene and participate in this case must be filed no later than October 8, 2008, with the Secretary of the Missouri Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102.  Copies of the application should be sent to: Craig T. Smith, Esq., Embarq Missouri, Inc., 5454 West 11^th Street, KSOPKJ0401, Overland Park, Kansas 66211; and the Office of the Public Counsel, P.O. Box 2230, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-2230.

The Office of the Public Counsel is a separate state agency which represents the general public in matters before the commission.  Individual citizens wishing to comment should contact either the Office of the Public Counsel (Governor Office Building, 200 Madison Street, Suite 650, P.O. Box 2230, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-2230, telephone (866) 922-2959, e-mail opcservice@ded.mo.gov) or the Public Service Commission staff (P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102, telephone 1-800-392-4211, e-mail pscinfo@psc.mo.gov).

The commission has 60 days from Embarq’s August 28, 2008, filing to reach a decision. 

-30-

Case No. TO-2009-0061