Operator Service Providers and Call Aggregators

The Commission adopted a combined Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making which amends the Commission's rules and policies governing operator service providers (OSPs) <SUP>1 and call aggregators.<SUP>2 The Report and Order amends the Commission's rules to require branding <SUP>3 to the parties on both ends of a collect call. The Report and Order also amends the Commission's rules to establish minimum standards for aggregators to follow in routing and handling emergency telephone calls. In addition, the Commission has determined that it should not expand the definition of ``aggregator'' to apply to inmate-only phones at correctional institutions. The Commission also made two minor administrative amendments the rules to revise the title of Subpart G to include ``Telephone Operator Services'' and to amend the rule that lists the Commission's address to be posted at aggregator locations. These decisions are intended to increase protection to consumers and provide them with information necessary in making informed choices regarding operator service calls.