Report warns of pitfalls in Southwestern Bell plan

A new report warns that Oklahoma consumers<br>could be the big losers if Southwestern Bell obtains proposed regulatory changes from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.<br><br>An analysis by former Assistant

Thursday, November 18th 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A new report warns that Oklahoma consumers
could be the big losers if Southwestern Bell obtains proposed regulatory changes from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

An analysis by former Assistant Attorney General Rick Chamberlin says the phone company is likely to be the biggest beneficiary of the new regulations instead of consumers.

The rules would preserve Southwestern Bell's monopoly status while gaining unprecedented authority to set rates for consumers without state oversight.

Chamberlin helped negotiate a 1995 rate settlement with Bell. He has been hired by state Senate President Pro Tempore Stratton
Taylor to advise lawmakers on the proposed regulatory changes.

The changes are dubbed "The Oklahoma Plan."