Telephone Communications: The FCC's Monitoring of Residential Telephone Service
RCED-86-146
Published: Jun 17, 1986. Publicly Released: Jul 01, 1986.
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Highlights
In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed: (1) the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) efforts to track and evaluate the effects of its regulatory decisions on telephone service, particularly in rural areas; and (2) the key issues and problems facing rural telephone companies and subscribers.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Communications Commission | The Chairman, FCC, should direct the FCC Common Carrier Bureau to develop a formal agreement with the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) on the role of REA field offices in providing information to FCC regarding rural telephone companies that may be experiencing conditions that could threaten universal service. In addition, FCC should reopen discussions with REA for agreement on a feasible means of gathering data on residential rate increases among telephone companies financed by REA. |
Closed – Implemented
On July 15, 1986, REA and FCC signed a formal agreement complying fully with the report's recommendation.
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Topics
CensusCost controlMonitoringPublic utilitiesRegulatory agenciesTelephone servicesTelephonesUniversal serviceConsumer price indexLabor statistics