PR-11-29 -- PSC Opens Case To Examine Local Telephone Quality Of Service

Contact: Kevin Kelly (573) 751-9300

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- SEPTEMBER 2, 2010

JEFFERSON CITY---The Missouri Public Service Commission has opened a case authorizing the PSC staff to gather information about the quality of wireline telecommunications service in Missouri. 

In its motion seeking to open a case, the PSC staff expressed concern whether service quality issues exist due to a lack of proper testing, preventive maintenance and the timely replacement of telecommunications facilities since a change in state law which allowed most, if not all, telecommunications companies to obtain a waiver of PSC rules regarding service quality. 

The PSC staff also indicated it had received an increasing number of customer service complaints about the quality of telephone service and wants to further investigate.  Staff seeks to determine whether the reported service problems are isolated instances or whether they indicate a systemic deterioration of facilities, which leads to a lower quality of service in large portions of the state. 

All facilities-based local exchange telecommunications companies have been ordered to respond to specific questions regarding telecommunications service quality.  Answers to those questions are to be filed with the PSC no later than November 1, 2010.

The public is welcome to submit comments electronically at the Public Service Commission’s website (http://www.psc.mo.gov).  Click on the EFIS/Case filings link on the left side of the page.  Scroll down and click on the public comment link.  Please reference the case (TO-2011-0047).

Written comments can be sent to the Missouri Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102.  Please reference the case (TO-2011-0047).

Because this is not a contested case, the PSC Staff will not take any action in this case against any telecommunications provider, beyond reporting its findings to the Commission. 

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Case No. TO-2011-0047