Hearings this week in three metro areas will let the public have their say about whether AT&T should stop delivering phone books.

The Public Service Commission is holding hearings in St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield this week to find out whether residents of those think that’s a good idea or bad idea, says commission Chairman Robert Clayton.

Clayton says the waiver would only apply to St. Louis, Kansas City and possibly Springfield, however, those who still wanted to receive the books could request that they be delivered free of charge.

Clayton says the commission’s decision on the waiver request will set a precedent for other companies, which will be paying attention.

While AT&T is no doubt looking at cost savings, there is a green component as well, he says.

He reminds customers though that the waiver, if approved, would only apply to AT&T, this would not be a unilateral decision. Other companies would have to submit their own requests.

Clayton says phone companies in Missouri are, for the most part, deregulated, but the commission does oversee consumer protections and other aspects, and this is one of them.

Clayton says those not able to make the public hearings this week can also submit their comments by phone, mail or Web.

Clayton says the commission will be deciding to adopt a unanimous agreement with the commission staff, Missouri’s Office of Public Counsel, Communications of America and AT&T and Charter.

A public hearing is slated for Wednesday, July 8 at the Emerson Center, Harris-Stowe State University, 3026 Laclede Ave., St. Louis. A question-and-answer session will be held at 5:30 p.m. and the hearing will begin at 6 p.m.

A July 6 hearing was held at the Kansas City Public Library. Those wishing to submit comments can do so on the Public Service Commission Web site , by calling (800) 392-4211, or by mailing them to teh PSC, P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-0360.

Those wishing to submit comments can do so on the Public Service Commission Web site , by calling (800) 392-4211, or by mailing them to teh PSC, P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-0360.


Jessica Machetta reports [Download/listen MP3]