June 27, 2006

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today started a proceeding to receive public comments on the implementation of the

The proceeding will take public comments on the technical and operational issues surrounding the assignment of the abbreviated dialing number 8-1-1. Specifically, the MPSC is looking for comments on the following issues:

• current uses, if any, for the abbreviated dialing number 8-1-1 and concerns regarding the immediate cessation of using 8-1-1 for such other purposes;

• length of time necessary to implement 8-1-1 statewide by wireline providers, payphone operators, wireless providers and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services;

• unique or technical complications that must be overcome to implement 8-1-1 statewide by wireline providers, payphone operators, wireless providers and VOIP services;

• the determination of MISS DIG as the sole 8-1-1 designee for the State of Michigan;

• types of customer education necessary to introduce 8-1-1 and the parties responsible for developing and distributing customer education materials; and

• an estimate of the cost of implementing the 8-1-1 system and proposals for funding of its implementation.

In 2002, the Pipeline Safety Act became law, calling for the use of a nationwide toll-free number system to be used by state one-call notification systems. In 2005, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established 8-1-1 as the three-digit number to be used as the contact number for state one-call notification systems. It directed states to address the technical and operational issues associated with the implementation of 8-1-1.

The Commission has selected this case for participation in its electronic filings program. Those individuals already participating in the electronic filings program should file as they normally would. Other comments may be e-mailed to mpscefilecases@michigan.gov.  Written comments should be mailed to the Executive Secretary, Michigan Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 30221, Lansing, MI  48909.  All comments should reference Case No. U-14923 and must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Aug. 11.  Comments received on this matter will become public information.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Labor & Economic Growth.

Case No. U-14923