Ohio consumers group attacks SBC LD application

The Ohio Consumers Counsel said this week that FCC should reject SBC Communications’ application to provide long-distance service in the state under Section 251 of the Telecom Act. The advocacy group said SBC’s request for a doubling of wholesale rates in the state would wipe out competition if it is approved by the Public Utility Commission of Ohio. The group also said testing of SBC Ohio’s network systems has yet to be completed due to switch-related problems and that billing system problems exist similar to those that forced SBC to withdraw its application for Michigan. The Ohio Consumers Counsel is an independent agency created by state statute and funded through assessments on state utilities. The group’s governing board is appointed by the Ohio Attorney General’s office.