November 2006 T-170-4

Many customers pay long distance charges to a city that is fairly close to them. These customers want their telephone companies to expand the local calling area so they don’t pay long distance charges. Expanding local calling areas is a difficult and expensive process for telephone companies. Before requesting the local calling area be expanded, customers should review their phone service to see if they can lower their bill.

What are my options to increase my local calling area?
If you find that you’re paying a lot of long distance charges to a nearby city, first contact your local telephone company to see if they have ideas on how to save money. If you are not satisfied with your company’s response, you may want to consider:
. • Finding a cheaper in-state long distance provider.
. • Looking for alternative phone service, such as wireless or Internet-based voice service providers.
. • Using a toll-free line or encouraging businesses or organizations who you call to order one.

Why expanding local calling areas should be your last option.
The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) has expanded local calling areas in the past. However, these expansions are difficult since they can result in higher rates for all customers, while lowering the overall bill for those making the long distance calls.

How can I ask for a larger local calling area?
If you want the UTC to require your company to offer a larger local calling area, you may file a formal complaint. Contact the UTC to request a formal complaint packet. The packet will provide information needed for the formal complaint. You should include copies of any correspondence from your local telephone company regarding your request for a larger local calling area. You will need to prove that your local phone company has refused to offer other local calling options and that your circumstances are exceptional enough to require a larger calling area.

What are UTC’s considerations for a larger local calling area?
The UTC will consider the following basic calling needs before granting a larger local calling area:
. • Are children’s schools within the local calling area?
. • Are your most significant city or town services within the local calling area?
. • Can the fire, police, medical and other emergency services be reached within the local calling area?
• Does the local calling area include a commercial center? Become familiar with the UTC rule governing local calling areas (see below), as well as any other relevant statutes or UTC rules. Other provisions of law may also be relevant to your complaint.

How do I request expanded local calling areas?
WAC 480-120-265 Local Calling Areas
. (1) Customers must make requests for expanded local calling areas under RCW 80.04.110 (the commission’s complaint statute).
. (2) The commission will order expansion of local calling areas only for compelling reasons. The commission will generally rely on long distance competition, local competition, and optional calling plans that assess additional charges only to participating customers, to meet customer demand for alternate or expanded calling. In evaluating request for expanded local calling, the commission will consider whether the local calling area is adequate to allow customers to call and receive calls from community medical facilities, police and fi re departments, city or town government, elementary and secondary schools, libraries, and a commercial center. The commission will consider the overall community-of-interest of the entire exchange, and may consider other pertinent factors such as customer calling patterns, the availability and feasibility of optional calling plans, and the level of local and long distance competition.