Press Release

PUC Reopens Intrastate Access Charge Investigation

Published on 3/15/2012

Filed under: Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today reopened the record in its investigation regarding intrastate access charges paid by long distance companies to incumbent rural telephone companies for the limited purpose of examining the cross-effects of the Nov. 18, 2011 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Order on the PUC’s July 18, 2011 ruling.  The PUC also opened a separate proceeding in order to address various requirements that have been triggered by the FCC Order, and will convene a technical collaborative conference to that effect no later than Apr. 20, 2012.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a motion by Commissioner James H. Cawley to reopen the record of the Rural ILEC Access Charge Investigation for a limited purpose at Docket Nos. I‑00040105 and C-2009-2098380 et al. 

On July 18, 2011, the Commission entered its Order in its Rural ILEC Access Charge Investigation proceeding determining that access charges for intrastate or in state traffic charged by rural telephone companies to complete calls on their networks needed further reductions.   Several parties to the proceeding filed Petitions for Reconsideration and Limited Stay in August 2011. 

On Nov.18, 2011, the FCC issued its Connect America Fund Order which addresses several changes to intrastate and interstate intercarrier compensation.  This federal Order affects rulings that the PUC has already rendered in certain adjudications including the Commission’s July 18, 2011 Order concerning access charges imposed by rural carriers.  Because of the federal changes, the PUC is reopening the proceeding to receive information from the parties regarding the federal impacts on Pennsylvania’s carriers and to provide an opportunity for the participants to update the Petitions for Reconsideration.  After receipt of the additional information at the relevant dockets, the Commission will make a timely determination on the pending matters in the case. 

At the same time, the FCC Order mandates the states to implement various provisions of the November 18, 2011 Order by certain timelines.  Because of these directives, the PUC took action today to convene a technical conference to permit the interested parties to brief the Commission on necessary tariff filings concerning the federal intercarrier compensation reforms.  On July 1, 2012, the FCC imposed a deadline for certain reforms to be in place on the state level. 

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 website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket Nos.  M-2012-2291824, I-00040105, C-2009-2098380 et al.

Contact:

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