Steve Rarrick, Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB), voiced opposition to SB 384 for several reasons

which he elaborated upon. These included (1) price deregulates small rural exchanges without any showing

of competition in those exchanges; (2) eliminates the existing annual price increase cap; (3) eliminates the

carrier of last resort obligations; (4) place Kansas Lifeline, elderly and low income customers at risk for price

increases; (5) eliminates minimal internet access requirements; (6) eliminates tariff filing requirements; and

(7) eliminates published telephone directories. (Attachment 3)

David Wilson, Volunteer State President for AARP Kansas, stated that AARP opposes SB 384 because it will

allow telephone companies to raise rates for service for which there is little competition, eliminate necessary

consumer protections, and fail to provide a positive benefit for consumers. (Attachment 4)

UPDATE

The carrier of last resort and telephone directories have been removed from this bill but deregulation

remains in the bill so please keep the calls up to keep the pressure on our governmental officials.