Maine Public Utilities Commission

NEWS RELEASE 

Maine Public Utilities Commission
242 State Street
Augusta, Maine 04333-0018
Website: http://www.maine.gov/mpuc/, Email: maine.puc@maine.gov
CONTACT:  Mary James, 207/287-2950, mary.r.james@maine.gov  

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2004

Programming Error Causes Maine Customers
to Lose Long Distance Service

 

AUGUSTA, MAINE – A programming error by OneStar Long Distance, Inc. may have resulted in the disconnection of toll service to 3,700 telephone numbers in Maine.  The Maine Public Utilities Commission began receiving complaints late last month from customers who could not make long distance calls.  Many customers reported that after dialing the number they wanted to call, they reached a recording that said the number they were calling from had been disconnected.  The PUC learned that OneStar was in the process of updating its computer database when its actions caused thousands of Maine customers to lose their ability to place toll calls.

People affected by this error were either past customers of OneStar, or customers of telephone companies who resold OneStar services.  Customers who have not already done so should contact their preferred toll carrier to re-establish toll service.  In addition, customers should ensure that their calling plan is re-established, and should be aware that they may have to negotiate a new calling plan with their toll carrier.  OneStar has mailed written notification to its former customers affected by this programming error.

Anyone who has problems re-establishing toll service or negotiating a calling plan should contact the Maine Public Utilities Commission’s Consumer Assistance Division at 800/452-4699.

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All PUC News Releases may be found on our website at: http://www.state.me.us/mpuc/newsreleases2004.htm

To arrange an interview with Chairman Welch or Commissioners Diamond or Reishus, please contact Matt Thayer at 207/287-1594 or by e-mail at matt.thayer@maine.gov.  The Commission’s website may be accessed through the Maine School and Library Network at all public libraries in Maine.