Telecommunications Provider Choice in the District of Columbia

Overview
The District of Columbia offers consumers multiple options for local telecommunications services, thanks to landmark federal and local legislation. The Telecommunications Acts of 1996 fundamentally transformed the telecommunications landscape, breaking up historical monopolies and creating a framework for consumer choice.
 
The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (DCPSC) regulates only wireline telephone service, sometimes referred to as "Plain Old Telephone Service” or POTS. This includes services provided by the Incumbent Local Exchange Provider (ILEC), Verizon DC, and Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs). The Commission does not regulate wireless, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), or other Internet Protocol-enabled telephone services.
 
Understanding service providers
The District's telecommunications market includes both an incumbent provider and competitive carriers:
 
Incumbent Local Exchange Provider (ILEC)
Verizon DC serves as the District's incumbent provider, historically the primary telephone service provider in the region. As an ILEC, Verizon DC must provide network access to competitive carriers while also serving retail customers directly.
 
Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs)
CLECs operate under three primary business models:

• Facilities-based providers build and maintain their own telecommunications infrastructure, delivering services directly to consumers through their own network facilities.
• Resellers interconnect with existing networks like Verizon DC, offering services by leasing network capacity from other providers.
• Hybrid providers combine both approaches, using their own facilities while also reselling network capacity from other providers.

Understanding service types and their regulation is crucial for consumer protection: 

• Regulated Services: Traditional wireline telephone service (POTS) falls under DCPSC oversight, ensuring consumer protections and establishing standards for service quality, billing practices, and complaint resolution.
• Non-Regulated Services: Wireless, VoIP, and other IP-enabled services operate outside DCPSC jurisdiction. While these services may offer competitive pricing and advanced features, they come with different consumer protections and complaint resolution processes.

1. Number portability: Can I keep my existing telephone number?
2. Switching costs: Are there fees associated with changing providers?
3. Service pricing: What are the rates for local and long-distance service? What taxes and additional charges apply?
4. Service type: Is this a wireless, VoIP, or traditional switched telephone service?
5. Customer support: What are the customer service and repair service hours? Can I manage my account online? How frequently will I receive billing statements?

Pricing in the telecommunications market is highly variable and depends on multiple factors. Each provider structures their pricing differently, taking into account service type, included features, and the underlying technological platform. Consumers can expect significant variations in pricing between providers, making it essential to carefully compare offerings and understand the specific services and features included in each plan.
 
Additional resources
For consumers seeking detailed pricing information, Verizon DC's current tariffs for the District of Columbia are available online. These official documents provide comprehensive details about service rates, fees, and regulatory classifications.