Press Release

PUC Releases Audit Report on the Telecommunications Relay Service Program

Published on 6/24/2008

Filed under: Telecommunications

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today released an audit report on the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) program for the three fiscal years ending April 30, 2006.

The Commission voted 4-0 to release the report and notify the Companies of its action.  The audit was designed to include a review of all parties involved in the provision of the TRS program in Pennsylvania.  Parties included in the audits are the Providers – AT&T and UltraTec Inc., the Fund Administrator – Wachovia Corporation, and all participating Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILECs) and Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs).  The audit’s scope included a review of Provider costs, the activities and procedures of the Fund Administrator, and the collection and reporting of revenues by ILECs and CLECs.  The audit did not include a review of Telecommunications Device Distribution Program activities, as this requires a separate audit. 

Staff of the Commission’s Bureau of Audits concluded that the operation of the PA TRS is generally in compliance with Commission orders and statements of policy.  The recommendations in the report will help participating companies to achieve better compliance with report filing, billing and fund-remitting requirements.  The Bureau of Audits specifically found that 15 companies need to revise their tracking report filing procedures and that fund remittance omissions and errors relative to 14 participating Local Exchange Carriers required additional remittances totaling $998,317. 

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

                                                            ###

Docket No.  D-06SPA031

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov