| About PUC's Telecommunications' Section |
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Telecommunications is responsible for implementing a balanced program of regulation and competition aimed at encouraging innovation in the telecommunications industry, and making available throughout the State high quality telecommunications services at just and reasonable prices.
The Commission regulates basic telephone rates and service quality in various forms for Qwest, CenturyTel, Verizon and Embarq, as well as nineteen smaller telecommunications utilities. In addition, the Commission authorizes competitive telephone providers to operate in Oregon. The focus of regulation for competitive providers is service quality and assisting consumers in resolving problems. The Commission does not regulate the rates that competitive providers charge their retail customers. The Commission has very limited authority over the states eleven telecommunications cooperatives.
Telephone companies, including competitive providers, are required to submit monthly service quality reports on their basic telephone services. Very small companies or those that have consistently provided very high quality service may be exempt from reporting. Service quality reports are posted on the agency website.
The Commission does not have authority to regulate the rates or services of cellular and cable TV providers. However, the Commission's Consumer Services Section will assist cellular customers in resolving problems with their cellular provider. In addition, the Commission has approved a few cellular providers as qualified to participate in universal service programs, including programs that help low-income consumers and programs that aim to extend telephone services into unserved areas of the state. The Commission provides additional assistance to consumers under those programs.
A PUC fee listed on your telephone bill recovers an amount that the telephone company pays to the Public Utility Commission to help cover its costs of operations in regulating the telecommunications industry. The fee is assessed on all intrastate revenues, including both local service and toll service.
Bryan Conway is the Telecommunications Administrator 503-378-6200.
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