State panel approves new telecommunications rules

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Officials say new rules for the telecommunications industry in Oklahoma will provide more options for cellular phone users and promote competition.<br/><br/>The rules were adopted

Thursday, January 13th 2005, 5:39 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Officials say new rules for the telecommunications industry in Oklahoma will provide more options for cellular phone users and promote competition.

The rules were adopted Wednesday by the three-member Oklahoma Corporation Commission. They must be approved by Governor Henry and the Oklahoma Legislature.

Commission vice chairman Jeff Cloud says the rules should increase the number of so-called bundles, or packages of services offered to both businesses and residential customers.

Commissioner Denise Bode said the rules will allow low-income Oklahomans who are part of the Lifeline program to have unlimited local cell phone services in some areas.

Anthony and Cloud said the rules are an interim step in an ongoing regulatory process.