Phone bill reviews set to help find savings

BANGOR – Telephone users wanting to see if they can save any money on their rates can get their bills reviewed this week by members of the State Public Advocate’s Office.

The phone bill reviews will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at the Bangor City Council Chambers.

“Many phone customers in Maine overpay every month for phone service they don’t need or for which there are less costly substitutes,” Stephen Ward, the state’s public advocate, said in a statement. “Come by and see if we can help you save money.”

Twice yearly, the Public Advocate’s Office publishes a “Ratewatcher Telecom Guide” that displays rate comparisons for local, interstate long distance, in-state long distance, calling cards, international call rates, Internet and wireless services. More than 28,000 state residents receive the semiannual guide.

The guide will be available at the bill review session. It is available free of charge by calling 287-2445 or writing to the Office of the Public Advocate, SHS 112, Augusta 04333. Or it can be accessed at www.maine.gov/meopa.

Besides reviewing telephone bills, the public advocate’s staff will be available to answer questions about other utility services.