Sprint Looks To Exit Wireline Consumer Long-Distance Service Market
Sprint asked the FCC for authorization to stop providing long-distance services and associated features to wireline customers in three months. In an application filed at the commission Friday pursuant to Section 214 of the Communications Act, Sprint said it had…
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received approval to stop offering the wireline long-distance service to new customers on Jan. 5 and plans to discontinue providing the services to its remaining customers Sept. 19, or as soon as it gets regulatory approval. "The specific Sprint wireline consumer long-distance services and associated features being discontinued are Message Telecommunications Service (i.e., 1+ long distance) ('MTS'), FŌNCARD, Directory Assistance, and Operator Service (collectively, the 'Sprint Services'), as well as all consumer pricing plans associated with the Sprint Services," Sprint said. Sprint said its exit plans wouldn't cause material harm because customers can easily obtain alternative long-distance services from other wireline providers, wireless providers -- including Sprint -- and VoIP providers. Sprint attached to its application a copy of a June 15 letter to wireline customers noting its plans to stop providing service, which it said gave them "ample time" to switch to other providers.