DON'T RAISE MY RATE

What is happening and why?

AT&T has requested the Public Service Commission (PSC) instigate a rate case for Ringgold Telephone Company (RTC) to increase the rates RTC charges its customers. The Cable Television Association of Georgia (CTAG) supports AT&T’s request.

This means that the Public Service Commission will determine whether RTC’s rates to its customers should be increased. AT&T and CTAG believe that RTC’s rates are too low.They have provided recommendations for the price increase. This action is anti-competitive. By forcing RTC to increase rates, these competitors are seeking to make wireless and cable companies more attractive to consumers.

Public Hearing

Ringgold
Telephone
Company

Catoosa County Courthouse
Monday, August 13th • 7pm

Public Hearing

Chickamauga
Telephone
Company

Chickamauga Civic Center
Monday, August 13th • 4pm

How will I be affected?

The cost of living and doing business will increase for residents and business owners of Ringgold. Most customers will experience an increase of almost 20% per month.

Who is the Public
Service Commission?

The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) is a public utilities commission which regulates telecommunications, electric and natural gas services in the state of Georgia. Their role is to ensure that consumers receive reasonably priced service. The Commission consists of five elected positions.

What is a rate case?

A rate case is a formal investigation into the prices that a company is charging their customers. Typically, these rate increases are initiated by the company that seeks to have its prices modified on its own action. In our situation, AT&T (with support of CTAG) are asking that the PSC approve rate increases on RTC’s residential and business customers without RTC’s request or consent. RTC is AGAINST a rate increase.

How can I help?

On Monday, August 13, a public hearing will be held to allow RTC customers the opportunity to express their opinion about the proposed increase. The hearing will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Catoosa County Courthouse. We encourage you to attend this meeting to make your opinion known about the rate increase instigated by AT&T and CTAG.

If you prefer to communicate your opinion by means of a letter, you may write a personal account of how you will be affected or you may use the template provided. Completed letters can be mailed to:

Attn: Public Hearing
c/o Ringgold Telephone Company
P.O. Box 869
Ringgold, GA 30736

Letters will be delivered to the PSC on the evening of August 13.
Click here to download a template of the letter. If you have additional questions, please contact (706) 965-2345.

Are other phone companies affected?

Other Independent telephone companies in the state of Georgia are being affected. A public hearing will also be held for our neighbors, Chickamauga Telephone Company, on Monday, August 13, at 4:00 p.m. The hearing will be held at the Walker County Civic Center.