Press Release

"PA TeleChoice," which consumers can access by logging onto www.utilitychoice.org, is designed to enable consumers to type in their area codes and exchanges (the next three numbers), and view and compare local telephone offers and services either side by side or in a list.

"We are committed to providing consumers with the resources they need to make informed choices," said PUC Chairman Glen R. Thomas. "We believe consumers will take advantage of PA TeleChoice and, perhaps, find ways to save money."

Consumers with Netscape 4.5 or higher or Internet Explorer 4.5 or higher can access the tool, which is equipped to handle more than 100,000 user sessions each month. The educational tool also can provide field searches for other important information, such as length of agreement, and billing information and specifications.

This tool also will include a Web-based interface for each local telephone provider to enter, validate and check plan information.

While some providers have added their plan information into PA TeleChoice to be viewed by consumers, Chairman Thomas and Commissioners Aaron Wilson Jr. and Kim Pizzingrilli encouraged all local telephone service providers to contribute to PA TeleChoice by making available local telephone plan information to give consumers a complete picture of their options.

"When we launched this campaign in Pittsburgh in June, consumers told us they wanted specific information about offers available to them," Chairman Thomas said. "We thank the Council for Utility Choice for working this fall to develop this new, first-in-the-nation interactive educational tool. And we thank the providers who added information about their plans and services to the tool.

"We have responded to consumers by delivering the framework for a first-rate educational tool. But in order for consumers to make the best choices, we’re asking every local telephone provider serving Pennsylvanians to participate. We believe this is an ideal opportunity for telephone companies to reach consumers with their local plans, and for consumers to be empowered to find better prices and better service."

PA TeleChoice was developed by OmniChoice, a Pennsylvania-based provider of online decision-aid applications.

The Web site also includes a list of providers by county.

Local service providers offer consumers basic telephone services such as dial tone, 911 emergency service, directory assistance and other services, as well as a local calling plan to make and receive telephone calls within a local calling area. Services not included in basic service, but optional for consumers, include call waiting, caller ID, call forwarding, three-way calling and call blocking.

The Council for Utility Choice educational campaign began today in Harrisburg and will be followed tomorrow by a launch event in Philadelphia. The PUC is seeing increased telephone competition in these markets.

The Council for Utility Choice is a non-profit corporation working in conjunction with the PUC. The Council is comprised of individuals from the following entities: the PUC; the Pennsylvania Rural Development Council; the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs; the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African-American Affairs; the Office of Consumer Advocate; small-business representatives; state utility associations; public school educators; and community-based organizations.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition.