PHONE LINES

State Universal Service Fund

As a result of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and an order adopted by the Public Service Commission, a surcharge of 6.95% has been added on every Nebraskan's telephone bill effective July 1, 1999. This surcharge will be assessed on most local and intrastate telecommunications services. Internet service and interstate calls are excluded from this surcharge.

The money from this surcharge will be put into what is called the State Universal Service Fund. These funds will then be distributed to telephone companies in Nebraska to help offset the expense of providing service in high-cost areas. Rates in high cost areas are presently subsidized by the access charges paid by long distance companies and higher local rates paid by business customers. Without the support of the Universal Service Fund, local phone rates could increase by as much as 500 percent in some areas.

Agencies can anticipate seeing this charge on their August bill. If you would like to read more information on the USF surcharge, visit the Public Service Commission's home page at http://www.nol.org/home/NPSC/.

LOWER PAGER RATES

The Division of Communications has negotiated lower pager rates. The new rates were effective on your June 1, 1999 monthly billing. If you have any questions, please contact Norma at 402/471-6391.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS PERFORMANCE SURVEY

The Division of Communications recently mailed out a performance survey to our customers. This performance survey allows our customers to rate the Division staff, services offered, as well as our accuracy and efficiency. If you have received one of these surveys and not returned it, we would appreciate your prompt response. Any comments or suggestions that you may wish to add to these survey cards would also be appreciated.

We appreciate your time in helping us meet our mission of providing economical, efficient and reliable telecommunications services to our customers.

VOICE MAIL SERVICE

The Division of Communications recently conducted informational meetings in North Platte and Norfolk for voice mail service. We are currently taking orders for service for these two locations as well as Grand Island.

If you have any questions regarding this offering, contact Bill at 402/471-3720 or Lana at 402/471-7890.

AVOID BEING CLONED!!!

Did you know that your analog cellular phone can easily be cloned when in an airport? Whether you are using your phone or just have it turned on, hackers can purchase equipment that allows them to clone your electronic serial number. An airport is an ideal place to do this because of the closeness and quantity of people. If at all possible, wait until you are outside of the airport to use your cellular telephone. As a reminder, if you notice your cellular phone is missing, contact your cellular company immediately and then contact the Division of Communications. If you have any questions, contact Mike at 402/471-3719 or Norma at 402/471-6391.

NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS IN OGALLALA

The following are new State telephone numbers for facilities located in Ogallala effective July 29, 1999. If you have any questions, contact Carter at 402/471-4702.

DIRECTORY LISTING CLOSING DATES:

The following commercial telephone directories close their listings in the near future. If you have any offices listed in the local directories for these towns, please review your listings and contact LaDonna at 402-471-4701 if you have any changes.