Telecommunications & Telephone Consumers Bill of Rights

In Pennsylvania local telephone rates were deregulated in what was to be a quid pro quo. Incumbent local telephone carriers would be allowed to make a greater profit and in return they were to build a broadband network across the state, in both rural and urban areas, which would allow all Pennsylvanians access to high-speed Internet at affordable rates. Although the companies made their money, they have not delivered on their promises. In addition, much of the profit was diverted from Pennsylvania and invested in other states and around the world. Telephone centers have closed, jobs have been lost, service has deteriorated and rates have not decreased.