Special Public Meeting on MCI/Verizon Prepaid Calling Card Services
Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Anchorage, AK - The Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) will hold a Special Public Meeting to discuss MCI/Verizon’s 1 prepaid calling card policies and recharge practices planned for Alaskan consumers effective September 4, 2007. The meeting will convene at 9:00 a.m., August 7, 2007, in the Commission’s East Hearing Room located at 701 West Eighth Avenue, Suite 300, Anchorage, Alaska.

The RCA has received 23 consumer complaints regarding MCI/Verizon’s intent to disallow Alaskans from recharging their prepaid calling cards. Costco’s website indicates the new recharge policy will also apply to Verizon cards. Verizon card literature states that the 2.9 cent per minute rate only applies to the contiguous United States, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, with Alaska notably excluded.

On July 25, 2007, MCI filed an application under 47 C.F.R. 63.71 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules stating that “beginning September 4, 2007, MCI will no longer permit users of MCI’s Prepaid Phone Cards purchased from Costco stores to recharge their cards using a credit card with an Alaska billing address or by calling to recharge from an Alaskan telephone number.” These FCC rules govern “discontinuance, reduction or impairment of service”, and allow 15 days for anyone to file an objection to the application (August 9, 2007). The RCA is considering filing a response to MCI’s application to the FCC.

The RCA welcomes comment from the public during the public participation segment of the meeting. Time for comments may be limited to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to speak. If you wish to file comments in writing, your comments must be received no later than 2 p.m., August 6, 2007, at the Commission’s address given above or rca_mail@rca.state.ak.us.

1 MCI and Verizon recently merged and MCI operates under the business name Verizon Business Services

Press Release: Special Public Meeting on MCI/Verizon Prepaid Calling Card Services Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Date Issued: 8/1/2007