PR-12-43 -- PSC To Investigate Alleged Call Routing And Call Completion Probems

Contact: Kevin Kelly (573) 751-9300

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- OCTOBER 20, 2011

JEFFERSON CITY---The Missouri Public Service Commission has opened a case to investigate alleged telephone call routing and call completion problems in Missouri.  Recently, a number of small rural incumbent local telephone companies asked the Commission for such an investigation.

Upon receiving the requests to open a case, the Commission asked the PSC staff to indicate whether it believed an investigation was appropriate.  In a response filed on October 12, 2011, the PSC staff recommended a case be opened and an investigation be conducted.  Staff also recommended a workshop be conducted where various industry participants can explain the problems in greater detail, discuss possible solutions and report on actions other jurisdictions have taken to alleviate the problems. 

The Commission has determined a case should be opened and has directed the PSC staff to conduct an initial workshop on November 7, 2011 at the Commission’s offices in Jefferson City.  In addition, the Commission has directed the PSC staff to file an initial report of its findings no later than January 6, 2012.

This is not a contested case and as a result, any person may file a comment in it without counsel and without ex parte constraints.  Intervention requests are also not necessary to submit comments or view documents. 

The public is welcome to submit comments related to problems completing calls by forwarding electronic communications through the Commission’s electronic filing and information system (EFIS) or by mailing written comments.

You may submit electronic comments at the PSC’s website (http://www.psc.mo.gov  .  Click on the EFIS/Case filings link on the left side of the page.  Then scroll down and click on the public comment link (Please refer to File No. TW-2012-0112).

Written comments in hard copy should be addressed to the Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102 (Please reference File No. TW-2012-0112).

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Case No. TW-2012-0112