Questions for Washington State Telecommunications Consumers

The Washington Utilities and Trade Commission (WUTC) is conducting a survey of telecommunications trends in Washington State.  As part of that survey, the Commission wants to hear consumer perspectives.  The following are some questions they have for telecommunications users:

1.      Do you know whether you have options for phone and other telecommunications services?

2.      If you do have options, do you have enough information to help you decide between competitors?

3.      Are your rates increasing, decreasing, or staying the same?

4.      Do you use the incumbent phone company for some or all of your services?  If so, which ones?

5.      Are you using wireless, VOIP, or cable telephone service instead of traditional wire-line service?

6.      Who do you call to make a complaint?

7.      Do you know of any other resources to assist consumers?

8.      How do you deal with service problems if they occur?

9.      Are you able to read and understand your phone bill and the various charges?

10. Is the information you receive in advertisements helpful and sufficient enough to make a decision about which telecommunications services to choose?

11. How is the quality of service you receive from your land-line telephone provider?

12. How is the quality of service you receive from your wireless provider?

13. How is the quality of service you receive from your VOIP provider?

14. Should there be more or less government regulation of phone service, wireless service, VOIP service, and/or broadband internet service?

If you would like to have your voice heard, or have any other questions or comments, please contact Vicky Marin, Director of Government Affairs, at (360) 943-9198, extension 12, or by email at vicky.marin@retailassociation.org.