Hearing to Be Held in Williamsport February 3 to Take Public Testimony
(HARRISBURG) Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock, said the demand for telephone numbers is once again causing the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to consider various options regarding customers in the 570 Area Code.
Yaw said that according to North American Numbering Plan Administrator NeuStar, (NANPA), a neutral third party administrator who assigns telephone numbers to phone companies indicates the 570 area code will exhaust all of its numbers by late 2011.
According to NANPA’s report to the PUC, telephone industry officials provided four alternatives for the Commission to consider.
In a press release earlier this year, the PUC adopted an order last July that no final decision will be made regarding this issue until the public has an opportunity to comment on the various proposals.
“I would encourage individuals to click on the link below and read the order of the PUC and the history of this process,” Yaw said.
http://www.puc.state.pa.us/general/search.aspx
“I am told that the timeframe for submitting written comments has elapsed, however, if customers have comments that they wish to submit for the record they can deliver them in person at a hearing that will be held early next month.”
Yaw said that four hearings will be held across Pennsylvania. Locally, the public is welcome to attend the hearing at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2010. It will be held at the PA College of Technology, Thompson Professional Development Center, Mountain Laurel Room, Williamsport, PA 17701.
The Senator said that customers who want to testify can do so the night of the hearing. Testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will issue its final decision.
The PUC and state Office of Consumer Advocate offer tips to those who wish to participate. They include:
- Prepare what you are going to say beforehand. Even though it is not required, you may want to write out your statement, which can be read.
- Bring copies. If you have a written statement you would like to give to the judge as evidence, please bring two copies for the court reporter and several copies for the other participants.
- Plan to be questioned. Parties in the case may want to ask you a question to clarify something you said.
Contact: Arnie Kriner
1-800-443-5772 or 570-322-6457