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Ohio Senate phone legislation moves to House

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By Laura A. Bischoff, Staff Writer 10:21 PM Tuesday, December 15, 2009

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Senate voted 29-3 for a telephone deregulation bill consumer advocates oppose, but that unions and the telecom industry say will bring jobs and investment.

“It allows local telephone companies to be on a more level playing field with their competitors,” Public Utilities Commissioner Rhonda Fergus said Tuesday, Dec. 15.

Traditional land line companies compete against cable providers, wireless services and others for customers, she said, competitors that face fewer state regulations. Consumers’ Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander and other consumer groups warn that the bill would mean weaker consumer protections and higher rates for basic local phone service. The bill moves to the House.

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