Chart designed to aid local phone choice

COLUMBUS -- The Ohio Consumers' Counsel has created a chart to help Ameritech Ohio customers compare their local choices for local telephone service.
Comparing Your Local Telephone Choices is available free of charge from the agency by calling (877) 742-5622 or going to www.pickocc.org.
"We've been advocating for local telephone choices for over six years, and Ameritech's residential customers finally have them, & quot; said Robert Tongren, consumers counsel.
He said most local telephone providers offer packages that bundle unlimited local calling with features such as caller ID and call waiting. Some companies also offer long-distance minutes or unlimited Internet access.
The agency will be updating the chart on a bi-weekly basis. Besides a comparison chart, the guide provides information on how to evaluate local telephone service needs, questions to ask providers and a glossary of telephone services and features.
The counsel is a state agency charged with being an advocate for residential utility users.