PR-09-68 -- PSC Grants Embarq Request For Competitive Classification In Some Of Its Exchanges

Contact: Kevin Kelly (573) 751-9300

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- OCTOBER 21, 2008

JEFFERSON CITY—The Missouri Public Service Commission has granted an Embarq Missouri, Inc. (Embarq) request for competitive classification for all of its business services, other than exchange access services, in 35 exchanges (Appleton City, Butler, California, Centerview, Clinton, Cole Camp, Eugene, Fort Leonard Wood, Greenridge, Harrisonville, Henrietta, Holden, King City, Lake Lotawana, Leeton, Lexington, Lincoln, Lone Jack, Maryville, Missouri City, Montrose, New Bloomfield, Newburg, Pickering, Richland, Russellville, Sweet Springs, Tarkio, Tipton, Urich, Warsaw, Waverly, Wellington, Weston and Windsor).

The commission also approved Embarq’s request for competitive classification for all of its residential services, other than exchange access services, in the Lone Jack exchange.

 Under competitive classification, Embarq will no longer be subject to price or rate regulation by the PSC in the exchanges listed above.  Embarq will be permitted to raise or lower telephone rates at its own discretion, subject to the marketplace.

The undisputed evidence establishes that for residential customers in the Lone Jack exchange and for business customers in the 35 exchanges named in Embarq’s request, there is at least one entity providing local voice service meeting the requirements of state law.  In addition, there is at least one nonaffiliated commercial mobile service provider providing basic local telecommunications services within the meaning of the law to customers in the requested exchanges. 

“Therefore, the Commission concludes that Embarq’s application for competitive classification of its residential services, other than exchange access services, in the Lone Jack exchange and business services, other than exchange access service, in the 35 requested exchanges must be granted,” said the commission.

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Case No. TO-2009-0061