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OP local mobileCincinnati Bell stops delivering white pages
Plan gets OK from PUCO; customers must pick up their next book at store or request copy by mail.
Comment: Will you miss the phone book?
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Cincinnati Bell Inc. has received approval from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to discontinue delivery of its white pages directory.
The telecommunications company will instead make the directory available at its retail stores and promote an electronic version, available via ZoomTown.com.
Customers may also call Cincinnati Bell to request a mailed copy free of charge, according to the agreement.
By Ohio's minimum telephone service standards, phone companies must provide customers with either a printed directory or free directory assistance.
Cincinnati Bell requested the PUCO waive this rule as significant resources are expended to print and distribute the phone books to customers who may not want or use them.
In 2007, Cincinnati Bell said it distributed about 1 million copies of the directory, 800,000 to Butler, Hamilton, Warren and Clermont counties alone.
The books normally would be distributed in June.
"This is an environmentally friendly initiative, designed to meet our customers' needs and preferences in gathering information," said Cincinnati Bell spokeswoman Lisa McLaughlin.
The Ohio Consumers' Counsel, an advocate for residential utilities users, said it is concerned citizens will not get the vital information in the directories beyond residential phone numbers. The books include facts on 9-1-1 service, income-eligible payment assistance and how to handle harassing calls, among other information.
"Given that many consumers continue to rely on printed white page directories, we are concerned that making the printed directory available only by request will cause some consumers to not receive information they want and need," said Janine Migden-Ostrander, counsel for the OCC.
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2843 or jheffner@coxohio.com.
Comments
By hairy hole
January 8, 2009 11:59 AM | Link to this
As with most BIG BUSINESS they take away, raise rates. We do not get anything in return. Make them continue delivering them or include a card in your monthly bill postage paid that you fill out and return stateing that you want a directory. By elimination of directorys it will do as they want, “increase profits”. As everyone knows nothing is free. By continully rate increases, dropping services at our expense gives them momonies, at whos expense ?? OURS.
By just a person
January 8, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this
I think it is good idea but at the same time the commission should made them remove the fee for 411 calls.
By Jennifer
January 8, 2009 11:05 AM | Link to this
What about all the older people who have never used Google in their life? There are going to be a lot of people unhappy and helpless because of this. They don’t know how to get this info online and will be confused about requesting it over the phone. It’s laziness.
By M
January 8, 2009 9:47 AM | Link to this
Should be optional, some people still require printed directories. Not everyone has a computer or access to the internet. Also, not everyone in society has a cell phone either. You should have to request it via your provider and it should still be supplied.
By Graf
January 8, 2009 9:10 AM | Link to this
Good Move
By me
January 8, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this
With cell’s- TWC why should they have to for them