Click on Publications (above) to download consumer fact sheets.
Note:
If you have a dispute about your telecommunications services, please refer to the
overview below. Consumer Protection’s ability to investigate your complaint may be limited due
to
Senate Bill 83
, which repealed a number of Alaska telecom laws and became effective
November 27, 2019. Additionally, due to federal preemption, the RCA does not regulate cable,
internet, or wireless services.
Overview
What the RCA Regulates
The RCA's Consumer Protection & Information Section may investigate the
below issues:
-
Certification requirements
(AS 42.05.221-.281).
A certificated phone company may not modify or abandon a
service area without RCA approval.
-
Alaska Universal Service Fund. (
See changes adopted in
R-18-001.
)
-
Telecommunications Relay Services
(3 AAC 51)
for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Speech Impaired
.
-
Inmate Telephone Services
(Telecommunication services provided in Alaska correctional facilities)
-
Designation of Eligible Telecommunications Carrier.
Under (
3 AAC 53.400),
the RCA will
continue to have an active role in determining which companies can access federal
support provided for
telecommunications.
What the RCA Does Not Regulate
-
Do-not-call/Telemarketing Issues
(Contact the
Office of the Attorney General Consumer
Protection Unit)
-
Privacy and Online Security
(See
FCC Guide)
-
Early Termination Fees Charged by Wireless Telephone Service Providers
(
contact the FCC)
-
Right-of-way issues
-
Internet, Cable TV, wireless services
(contact the
Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit
at
(907) 269-5200 or the
Federal Communications Commission
at 1-888-CALL-FCC).
-
Billing Accuracy
-
Bundled Services
-
Cramming
(Charges for unauthorized services)
-
Custom Calling Features
-
Disconnection of Service
-
Extended Area Service
(Ability to call from one exchange to another exchange without incurring a toll
charge)
-
Interconnection Agreement Issues
-
Intrastate Long-Distance Services
-
Late Fees and Finance Charges
-
Lifeline & Link Up Program
(Repealed. See
R-18-001
)
-
Line Extension Policies and Practices
-
Local Number Portability
(Keeping your number when you change telephone service providers)
-
Maintenance and Repairs
-
Non-recurring Rates
-
Operator Handled Calls
-
Prepaid Calling Cards
-
Private Pay Telephone Services
-
Rates and Charges
-
Service Interruptions
-
Slamming
(Unauthorized change of telecommunications service providers)
-
State Telecommunications Modernization Plan
-
Taxes & Surcharges on Phone Bills
Date Issued: 11/22/2022