Latta pleased with FCC phone ruling

U.S. Representative Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) said Friday that a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) declaratory ruling on call quality and phone call completion would help improve phone service for rural communities.

The FCC’s order stems from the Rural Call Completion Task Force’s investigation into the issue. Over the past year, Congressman Latta asked the FCC to investigate and address the growing problem of phone service in rural areas, and in September, the FCC established the Rural Call Completion Task Force.

“I am pleased the FCC has issued this ruling in order to ensure rural communities can continue to thrive,” said Latta. “In the fast-moving world in which we live, families, farmers, small businesses and government entities all rely on instantaneous communication.  It was critical the Commission address these issues because poor phone service adversely affects family and business communications, as well as public safety,” added Latta.

The FCC reiterated that telephone carriers who fail to complete calls are engaging in unjust or unreasonable practices prohibited by section 201 of the Telecommunications Act.  The FCC also clarified that a phone carrier remains responsible for service to its customers even when contracting with third-party providers, warning that failure to meet legal obligations puts at risk telephone carriers’ licenses.

Latta sits on the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, which has jurisdiction over the FCC.