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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) said a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) declaratory ruling on call quality and phone call completion would help improve phone service for rural communities. The FCC’s order stems from the Rural Call Completion Task Force’s investigation into the issue. Over the past year, Congressman Latta asked the FCC to investigate and address the growing problem of phone service in rural areas, and in September, the FCC established the Rural Call Completion Task Force.

“I am pleased the FCC has issued this ruling in order to ensure rural communities can continue to thrive,” said Latta. “In the fast-moving world in which we live, families, farmers, small businesses and government entities all rely on instantaneous communication. It was critical the Commission address these issues because poor phone service adversely affects family and business communications, as well as public safety,” added Latta.

“As a representative of the rural carriers in Ohio, we applaud not only the FCC for taking action on this critical call completion issue but also Congressman Latta for bringing this issue to the forefront at the FCC,” said Eric Damman, vice president of Northwest Ohio Independent Telecom Association.

“Without the Congressman’s plea for action the FCC may have continued to languish on this issue for many more months. The FCC’s action is certainly a positive first step toward resolution of the issue, however, it remains to be seen if the offending carriers will take immediate action and repair their networks as required. Our hope is the FCC will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that these carriers complete calls to rural communities as required by law,” added Damman.

The FCC reiterated that telephone carriers who fail to complete calls are engaging in unjust or unreasonable practices prohibited by section 201 of the Telecommunications Act. The FCC also clarified that a phone carrier remains responsible for service to its customers even when contracting with third-party providers, warning that failure to meet legal obligations puts at risk telephone carriers’ licenses.

Congressman Latta sits on the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, which has jurisdiction over the FCC.

NOTE: To report a service quality complaint, please call 1-888-225-5322 or 1-888-835-5322 (TTY).

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