Telecommunications
The CPUC regulates rates and charges for basic services, such as how much you pay for the ability to make and receive calls. Many other charges, like Call Waiting, may be set by a utility under NRF (incentive) regulation by the utility filing a notice with the CPUC that specifies a price range for the service that the utility must stay within. Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers that are under the CPUC’s Cost of Service regulation may not increase rates and charges without CPUC approval. Other rates may be changed by filing a notice advising of the rate change; an example would be rates for long distance calls. The CPUC resolves disputes formally and informally for many telecommunications issues including terms and conditions (not rates) of cellular providers. Providers of DSL broadband services are certificated to do business in California. They must comply with consumer protection rules and other general telecommunications carrier requirements. The prices they charge for DSL services, however, is not regulated by the CPUC.
See Also:
Do all California households have phone service?
Do I have a choice of local telephone companies?
How can I get a list of phone companies that operate in California?
How can I choose a cell phone provider?
How do I dispute charges on my cellular phone bill?
Does the CPUC regulate payphones?
Does the Commission Regulate VoIP?
What is Local Number Portability?
What can I do if my long distance provider was changed without my knowledge or permission?
Who is responsible for repairing my inside telephone wiring?
What are the taxes and surcharges on my telephone bill?
What can you tell me about Prepaid Phone Cards?