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Verizon Update
3/25/01
A. Monumental
Victory
As many of you are all too aware,
the battle against Verizon has been an uphill one. In the face of
multiple lawsuits, enormous fines, consumer anger, etc. Verizon has
continued it's questionable practices and anti-competitive agenda.
However, as of a few days ago, the telecom giant has found the tables
turned and may struggle to stay in one piece.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission (PUC) adopted a plan for the functional structural separation
of Verizon Pennsylvania, while at the same time, adopting a strict code of
conduct detailing how Verizon must treat its competitors who are trying to
give consumers choices for local phone and high-speed Internet
services. The chariman of the commission even commented on the
insidious nature of the advertising campaign that Verizon waged, even
going so far as to request a reason why the PUC should not fine them for
their conduct (Verizon spent over 2 million dollars on this one
issue!)
This case is extremely important
because it sets a precedent. Numerous other states have been
weighing the same matter, and have waited to see the outcome in
Pennsylvania before deciding on how to proceed. Now that
this standard has been set, it will be much more difficult for
Verizon to find a way out. Next to an anti-trust suit, this is the
best thing that could have happened.
B. Did You Say
"Vaporware"? (You won't believe this one)
The FCC recently conducted audits
of some of the Bell companies including Verizon, only to find 5
billion dollars in missing equipment and 14 billion dollars in
unverifiable assets or "vaporware". What does this mean
exactly? It means that Verizon can argue that it's pricing is fair
because of it's enormous overhead. The only problem is THE OVERHEAD
DOESN'T EXIST! For whatever reason, the FCC has decided not to act
on this finding, however individual states may continue investigating if
they choose. I have posted the press release here if you wish to
view it: http://verizonpathetic.com/vapor.html
C.
New Jerseyans for Technology and Economic
Growth
Last months newsletter contained
the address for a fantastic Bell resource called http://www.consumervoice.org If you live
in the state of New Jersey, you may also want to make a stop at http://www.nj4techgrowth.com/ It is yet
another site to promote fairness within the industry and targets Verizon
as the culprit. Both sites have made it very easy to contact your
state representatives and give voice to your feelings.
D. Law
Suits
All of the suits that have been
filed are going through the typical court process which takes some
time. No news on this subject, except to say that if you are Verizon
customer, you are automatically included in the class actions. I
will post details as they become available.
Next Newsletter in 30
Days!
If you have any questions,
comments, or suggestions, please contact marcus@verizonpathetic.com
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