MEDIA ADVISORY, May 25, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) --
WHAT: On Thursday, May 27, the California Public Utilities
Commission (CPUC) is scheduled to vote on proposed
telecommunications regulations applicable to all
telecommunications carriers that would likely have a price
impact on all wireless customers in California. The proposed
regulations fail to recognize distinctions between carriers
like Cricket and large carriers that generally require
customers to enter into one- to two-year contracts. Cricket,
a leading provider of unlimited local and long distance
wireless services, strongly opposes the new regulations
since they will require Cricket to follow unnecessary and
costly procedures. Imposition of these rules would result in
higher wireless phone costs for consumers. Economic
consulting firm LECG recently published a study assessing
the overall impact of the rules initially proposed by CPUC
Commissioner Carl Wood. According to the study, consumers
served by small carriers like Cricket could see an increase
of up to $17 per month on their wireless bills; Cricket's
base service begins at $29.99 a month.
WHY: CPUC Commissioner Susan Kennedy recognized Cricket's unique
business model in developing her alternative to the proposed
regulations. She asked regulators to consider the "Cricket
Test" in assessing the impact of regulations. In essence,
she asked regulators to consider whether proposed
regulations would harm a small business like Cricket, since
Cricket does not require its customers to sign long-term
contracts and it allows customers to terminate service
without penalty. Many of the proposed operational procedures
are unnecessary and will increase Cricket's administrative
and customer service costs, and ultimately increase the cost
of its service to its customers, without providing
additional benefits to customers.
WHO: Cricket(R) service is an affordable wireless alternative to
traditional landline service and appeals to customers who
want the most affordable, predictable and best wireless
value. Cricket designs and markets wireless products to meet
the needs of everyday people. Cricket(R) service is
available in 39 markets in 20 states including Modesto,
Merced, and Visalia, California.
WHEN: The CPUC is scheduled to vote on three competing proposals
on Thursday May 27, 2004.
INTERVIEW
OPPORTUNITIES:
Laurie Itkin, director of government affairs for Cricket
Communications is available for interviews. Please
contact Stacee Lewis via phone at (714) 540-1030 ext. 19
or via email at slewis@bockpr.com.
Bock Communications, Inc. Cricket contacts:
Stacee Lewis, Kristin Parsley Atkins,
Media Relations Media Relations
714-540-1030 858-882-9105
slewis@bockpr.com katkins@cricketcommunications.com