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CPUC Will Hold Public Meeting on Telephone Consumer Bill of Rights In San Luis Obispo
Have you had service or billing problems with a telephone company?
What rules are needed to protect California telephone consumers?
Residents of the Central Coast will have an opportunity to address these questions at a public meeting sponsored by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on Monday, July 17, in San Luis Obispo at The Forum on Marsh, Main Room and Consultation Room, 751 Marsh Street (exit 101 at Marsh; The Forum is at Marsh and Broad Streets).
The purpose of this meeting is to gather public input on establishing a groundbreaking Telephone Consumer Bill of Rights.
At 6 p.m., CPUC staff and representatives from telephone companies will be on hand to answer questions consumers have about their bills or service.
From7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Commissioner Wood will preside over a hearing to listen to comments from individual customers, community and consumer advocacy groups, and elected officials.
Commissioner Wood initiated a proposal in February to create a Telephone Consumers’ Bill of Rights. “I want consumers to help us write the rules,” Wood stated. “These hearings offer everyone a chance to have an impact on the future of telephone service.”
CPUC proposed rules would assure that consumers have the right to:
Choice:Select the services they want from the companies they choose
Disclosure: Know in advance what they’re signing up for and how much it will cost
Privacy: Have their telephone records kept private
Accurate Billing:Receive a bill that is correct and understandable
Enforcement: Be informed of their rights and know where to go if they have a problem
Participation: Have a say in writing the rules
Since the beginning of this proceeding in February, the Commission has received many comments from the telecommunications industry. Commissioner Wood hopes that consumers will participate too.
Spanish translation will be provided at the hearing.
In addition to participating at the hearing, consumers may express their opinions in writing or via email to the CPUC Public Advisor’s Office:
Public Advisor
California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Avenue, Room 5303
San Francisco, CA 94102
Email address:
The Public Advisor’s Office can provide a free copy of the staff report that discusses the proposed rules. The rules are also available on the Commission website,
Consumers may also seek assistance from the CPUC on a specific service or billing problem with a telephone company by writing, e-mailing, or phoning the CPUC Consumer Affairs Branch.
Consumer Affairs Branch
California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
E-mail:
1-800 649-7570
CPUC Schedules Telephone Consumer Meetings, pg. 2