Math Error Reflects SBC’s True Motives

“Math Errors Force Delay in PUC Phone Rate Vote” (July 6) should serve as an eye-opener to consumers and regulators regarding SBC Communications Inc.’s real agenda in California.

After claiming that it cost $29 to maintain its telephone wires, SBC’s Cynthia Marshall acknowledges that the company would be “satisfied” with getting $21 in reimbursement from competitors wishing to lease those same lines.

Say what? When has a company ever been satisfied with recouping less than its costs? Clearly, SBC’s costs are not $29, and no doubt they’re well below $21.

Obviously SBC’s only goal is to set the wholesale rate high enough to drive competitors out of business -- period.

When the California Public Utilities Commission set the current cost-based rates, local competition flourished and consumers benefited.

Millions of Californians have left their local monopoly providers and realized savings of over $600 million annually.

SBC’s demands are not about covering its costs but regaining its monopoly.

Let’s hope the commission decides to take the consumers’ side and keeps local phone competition alive in California.

Paul Fadelli

Executive director

Californians for

Telecommunications Choice

El Cerrito