Introduced By: Senators Cote, Kelly, Irons, Badeau and Enos
Date Introduced : April 8, 1999
WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island is the smallest state in the union; and
WHEREAS, The entire state of Rhode Island is smaller in area than many local telephone calling areas in other parts of the country; and
WHEREAS, The Providence telephone service area is the home of our state capitol and a major hub of economic activity, social and health care services, and cultural activity in the state; and
WHEREAS, Local communities of interest and their telecommunications needs have undergone dramatic change in recent years with the development of advanced telecommunications technology; and
WHEREAS, Bell Atlantic - Rhode Island has made major investments in recent years to improve telecommunications service for its customers and to increase Bell Atlantic's future operating efficiencies; and
WHEREAS, These investments have positioned Bell Atlantic to review its prices, service levels, and optional service plans at this time; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby respectfully requests that Bell Atlantic-Rhode Island develop and file with the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission an optional flat rate, one-way calling service plan to the Providence exchange for availability to all Rhode Island residential customers and revised basic exchange calling areas. These new plans shall be submitted to the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission for review and consideration by July 31, 1999, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Ms. Donna C. Cupelo, President and CEO of Bell Atlantic -- Rhode Island, and to the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission.
