Corporation Commission delays action on SBC deregulation

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The Oklahoma Corporation Commission will not take action until at least Tuesday on SBC's efforts to deregulate much of its telephone business in the state. <br/><br/>Commissioners

Saturday, August 27th 2005, 12:02 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The Oklahoma Corporation Commission will not take action until at least Tuesday on SBC's efforts to deregulate much of its telephone business in the state.

Commissioners met yesterday and discussed setting a bond for rival Cox Communications in its appeal of the commission's earlier ruling in favor of deregulating SBC.

Attorney General Drew Edmondson recommended setting bond for the appeal at 140 million dollars. The bond would cover the estimated cost to the US economy of staying the earlier ruling that ordered SBC to establish DSL service in 68 rural communities. In exchange, the commission would lift price controls on the company.

Cox's appeal claims there is no evidence that deregulating SBC will result in lower prices and more choices for Oklahoma consumers. The company says there should be no bond in the case.