Treacy: It would seem that the problems mentioned below do not stem from
de-regulation but from profit maximizing behavior in the wrong
context. In Ohio we are allowing competition for local service
providers--Ameritech and Cincinnati Bell--- such as Time Warner
Cable Company. Under these conditions if you don't like your local
service switch to another.
[EMAIL PROTECTED] COPYRIGHTED
On Wed, 13 Sep 1995, D Shniad wrote:
> SERVICE SUFFERS AS RBOCS RETOOL FOR
> DEREGULATION
>
> Carriers are cutting staffs and re-
> engineering service operations to maximize
> profits as they foresee de-regulation and the
> onset of local loop competition. Network
> managers recommend that service subscribers
> watch for service problems and try to have
> them addressed early.
>
> Regulatory commissions fault US West's
> service throughout the regional Bell
> Operating Company's 14-state service area.
> US West must now meet a newly set standard
> of service in Arizona or face fines of up to
> $5,000 per incident. Two weeks ago the
> company was fined $424,000 in Colorado for
> service quality violations. US West had
> downsized too much. As it turned out, the
> company says, line growth was 500,000 more
> than projected and bad weather worsened the
> problem. Other Bells, including Nynex, have
> had troubles. Nynex and New York State last
> week agreed to a regulatory scheme that
> requires New York Telephone Co. to refund
> users' money should service standards not be
> met.
>
> Analyst Robert Rosenberg says, "The phone
> companies are weakened by loss of morale and
> productivity of workers uncertain about their
> futures."
>
> The Iowa Telecommunications User Group
> received so many complaints last summer that
> it demanded a second meeting -- after it had
> had its annual meeting -- with US West. The
> complaints included missing appointments for
> service and installation and new orders
> incorrectly provisioned.
>
> --Network World
> 08/07/95
>
