Currently the law allows phone companies to make up virtually any lost revenues through new surcharges on customers. Consumers Union recommends additional policies to ensure access to reasonably priced phone service for low income consumers or those who may have developed bad credit with the phone company. Prohibit disconnection of basic phone service when customers make partial payments on their phone bills. Customers who keep up the basic payment would lose access to other services for which a debt is owed. Far fewer consumers than are eligible actually receive the discounted rate provided under federal and state regulations.
Automatic enrollment reduces paperwork for the customer and the company.
Offer all consumers free or low cost option for controlling their phone bills, such as blocking of long distance, or setting a limit on long distance usage. These should be options the customer chooses, rather than forced on customers who are perceived as bad credit risks. Total service resale appears to be the only significant way competitors were providing basic local exchange service in 1997. Although the PUC ordered SWB and GTE to offer pre-paid phone service, the service is not well publicized. Inc. Agree to Deliver High Speed Internet Connectivity to Apartment Homes, Press Release, I3S, 1998.