TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATION IN DELAWARE |
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- Role of the Commission
- Regulated Utilities
- Consumer Information
- Important or Pending Cases at the Commission
- Local, Regional, and National Issues
GET CONNECTED, STAY CONNECTED!
The Lifeline and Link-Up Assistance programs are funded through the federal Universal Service Fund. Under the Lifeline program, telephone customers who participate or are eligible for certain public assistance programs are entitled to receive a basic telephone service discount. Link-Up can provide a 50 percent reduction on telephone service installation charges for qualifying households that do not currently have telephone service.
For more information on these programs, including eligibility requirements, visit www.lifelinesupport.org or contact the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322). To apply for Lifeline or Link-Up with Verizon Delaware, LLC call 1-800-837-4966, or visit Verizons website and search for "Lifeline." While not regulated by the Delaware Public Service Commission, Lifeline eligible residents are also able to apply for a free wireless handset and free monthly minutes by visiting SafeLink Wireless or by calling 1-800-977-3768.
ROLE OF THE COMMISSION
The role of the Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC) in the regulation of telecommunications has changed dramatically since passage of the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, which opened local telephone service to competition. Today, there are dozens of local and long distance telephone providers under the jurisdiction of the PSC and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In many cases, the PSC does not determine rates, but does require a certification process to ensure companies have the financial, managerial, and technical means to provide services in Delaware. Surety and performance bonds may also be required to protect consumers when deposits or prepayments are required. The PSC also acts as an arbitrator in interconnection disputes between local exchange carriers. The Commission's authority to regulate telecommunications in Delaware is granted by 26 Delaware Code, Section 703.
The Commission is also responsible for the regulation of payphone service providers and providers of operator services for payphones. Regulations applicable to these providers were adopted June 4, 2002 by PSC Order No. 5965.
Wireless and cell phone services are regulated by the FCC, and are outside the jurisdiction of the Delaware Public Service Commission. Additionally, internet service providers (ISPs) are not regulated by either the state or the federal government; however, you may contact your state consumer protection office. If there is possible fraud involved, you may contact the Federal Trade Commission or the Department of Justice's Internet Fraud Complaint Center.
REGULATED UTILITIES
The following pages provide information regarding how these companies are regulated, as well as a listing of certificated providers.
- Verizon Delaware, LLC. - Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC)
- Verizon's Local Exchange Tariff for Delaware [Note: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide a direct link. The preceding link will direct you to a Verizon website with a map of the United States - click on the State of Delaware. On the next page, select "Effective Tariff" for "Verizon Telephone Operating Companies"]
- Verizon's additional local charges applicable to Delaware customers (courtesy of Verizon Delaware, Inc. and updated April 2007).
- Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs) Other providers of local telephone services
- Interexchange Carriers (IXCs) Long distance companies
CONSUMER INFORMATION
- For general consumer information, including how to file a complaint, please visit our Consumer Assistance page.
- Delaware Public Service Commission Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Verizon's Customer Support page provides a variety of tools for its customers, such as billing options and requesting repairs. Verizon Delaware, Inc. has also created a listing and description of charges applicable to its Delaware customers (updated May 2005).
- The following websites offer important consumer information about telecommunications issues:
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - The FCC is the primary regulatory body for telecommunication services. Complaints regarding wireless and cell phone service providers, which are not regulated by the Delaware PSC, should be filed with the FCC. Additionally, a number of consumer alerts and fact sheets relating to telecommunications are available on the FCC's website, including:
- Early Termination Fees - The FCC has created a "tip sheet" to help cell phone users better understand "early termination fees" (the fees charged by a provider when ending a service contract before it expires). The Delaware PSC has no jurisdiction over wireless cell phone providers or the fees they charge.
- Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) - Telephone services for hearing or speech disabled customers
- National Do-Not-Call Registry
- Slamming - When your telephone service is switched without your permission
- Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) - The USAC administers the Universal Service Fund (USF), which provides communities across the country with affordable telecommunication services. Visit the Lifeline and Link-Up for Verizon Customers in Delaware page for eligibility information and instruction for applying.
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - The FCC is the primary regulatory body for telecommunication services. Complaints regarding wireless and cell phone service providers, which are not regulated by the Delaware PSC, should be filed with the FCC. Additionally, a number of consumer alerts and fact sheets relating to telecommunications are available on the FCC's website, including:
IMPORTANT OR PENDING CASES
A complete list of all telecommunications related cases (including tariff changes) filed with the Commission is available on the Commission's Regulated Utility Filings page.
Following is a list of cases that have, or are likely to, generate a significant amount of public interest. To assist the public with participation in these matters, links to the application or formal complaint, the procedural schedule (if applicable), and Commission Orders entered in a case are provided here. In limited cases, additional documents are available for viewing from the website.
All case related documents are available for review by appointment at the Commission Office in Dover, Delaware, or at the Office of the Public Advocate in Wilmington, Delaware.
- PSC Docket No. 10-002: On September 21, 2010, the Commission entered Order No. 7844 ending the automatic annual distribution of the printed White Pages to all of Verizon Delaware's customers but providing for their distribution to those that request a copy.
- PSC Docket No. 08-194: On August 19, 2008, by Order No. 7433, the Commission opened an investigation into the efficiency, sufficiency, and adequacy of basic services provided by Verizon Delaware LLC over its copper facilities. As part of this proceeding, the Commission will investigate the extent to which Verizon Delaware LLC has met, and will in the future comply with, the objectives and reporting requirements set forth in the Commission's Regulations Governing the Minimum Service Requirements for the Provision of Telephone Service for Public Use within the State of Delaware.
- The Commission will consider the Findings and Recommendations of the Hearing Examiner during its meeting of December 22, 2009. Related Documents (PUBLIC Versions): Report of the Consultants to the PSC Staff, Staff Memorandum, Verizon's Comments on the Consultant Report, Settlement Agreement Between Verizon, Staff and DPA.
- On January 7, 2010, the Commission entered Order No. 7726, approving on an interim basis the joint Settlement Agreement.
LOCAL, REGIONAL, AND NATIONAL ISSUES
- Internet Voice or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): As described by the FCC in its consumer fact sheet, "Internet Voice", also known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a technology that allows you to make telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line." While not currently regulated at the federal or state levels, the FCC has created an Internet Policy Working Group (IPEG) to examine potential policy issues relating to this technology.
- Broadband is a generic term used to describe the high-speed transmission services that allow consumers to access the internet much higher speeds than traditional "dial-up" modems, and includes technologies such as Digital Subscriber Line(DSL) Services and Cable Modems (CM), as well as emerging wireless technologies. The FCC offers a consumer fact sheet on broadband which describes and compares the available technologies.
