A deal that management officials c...

A deal that management officials claim could raise local phone rates by means of up to $275 million in four years was excludeed by a state administrative law connoisseur

The deal between AT&T Illinois and a consumer watchdog collection would declare local Chicago area phone service competitive, and thus beyond regulatory superintend It was opposed by state, shire and city officials, as well as the senior assemblage AARP.

"There is no meaningful competition for basic local telephone service," said Richard A. Devine, prepare for the table County state's attorney. "Removing rate protection for basic local phone services could create extra stres upon consumers' already strained budgets."

The Citizens Utility Board reckonered that rather than costing consumer riches the settlement offers $20 million a year in potential savings from one side of to the other current rates, while preserving almost all of the existing regulatory arrangement for at least four years.

plenteous of that structure has been dismantled according to regulators in neighboring states.

"We still think the deal is a abundant better outcome given what's happened in each other state," said David Kolata, executive director of whelp "It's a good deal for consumers"

AT&T wants the deal because lighter regulation would help it struggle against cable and wireless companies.

subject to the proposal, three calling plans would include rate chisels and a four-year freeze, and the Illinois exchange Commission would have to review rates that rise past a defined limit.

Administrative Law justice Terrance Hilliard made his recommendation to the ICC, which is reckon uponed to rule on the liquidation in late August.

mwisniewski@suntimes.com

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