NARUC board defeated 2 access charge-related policy resolutions t...

federal subscriber line charge beyond $5, such as $6.50 cap provided in CALLS access charge reform plan. Trigger for resolution was cost proceeding begun by FCC to determine whether any further SLC increases were cost justified, as provided for in CALLS order. Telecom Committee Chmn. Joan Smith of Ore. PUC objected that resolution represented untimely plea for reconsideration of CALLS decision more than year after it took effect. She said states fought SLC battle and lost, making resolution futile gesture that might impair group’s credibility. Consumer Affairs Committee Chmn. Leon Jacobs of Fla. PSC unsuccessfully argued that FCC’s SLC cost review had reopened issue and NARUC should again go on record as opposing any more SLC increases. Second defeated access resolution asked FCC to reconsider its Oct. 11 order approving MAG access charge reform plan for rural telcos, on ground that SLC increases in MAG plan could impair affordable phone service in rural areas because there was no requirement that interexchange carriers pass their access savings on to customers through reduced toll rates. Jacobs said NARUC must act now to seek MAG reconsideration lest it lose opportunity to challenge SLC increase. But Smith said resolution was premature because many affected states hadn’t had chance to evaluate impact of MAG plan on them. She also said resolution’s text contained factual inaccuracies about MAG decision. Smith said if NARUC must decide whether to seek MAG reconsideration before winter meetings in Feb., that decision could be made in conference calls among NARUC’s directors.