On December 20, 2005, Governor Granholm signed the Michigan Telecommunications Act, requiring that telephone companies offer a low cost primary basic telephone service to Michigan’s citizens. The price of this service cannot be changed unless the company makes an application to justify increasing the price before the Michigan Public Service Commission.

What exactly does the Primary Basic Plan include?

• Customers can make 100 outgoing calls per month. (Calls over this amount may cost extra)
• 12,000 minutes of outgoing telephone usage is allowed. (Minutes over this amount may cost extra.)
• Customers can receive unlimited incoming calls without a limit on incoming minutes used.

What doesn’t the Primary Basic Plan include?

• No special features such as Caller ID, Call Forwarding, Call Waiting, etc. (These may be added for an additional cost.)
• No calls to a dial-up internet provider. The Primary Basic Plan is only for voice calling - no faxes, no internet access.

If you are interested in more information about the rates for primary basic local service for telephone companies in your area, please see our telephone companies' PBLES rates.

Updated: October 29, 2008