That phone book delivered to your doorstep every year may soon become a thing of the past under new rules the Iowa Utilities Board is considering.
Industry representatives say the new rules would bring the state’s telecommunications industry into the modern era.
Under the rules, telecommunications companies would no longer be required to provide the books, although industry representatives say they would be provided upon request.
Michael Sadler with CenturyLink says the paper books are getting used less all the time.
“The reality is the vast majority of folks don't use the paper books any more,” Sadler says. “I can't recall the last time I opened up a paper phone book.”
Instead, consumers are using the internet to get the information they once got from phone books.
But consumer advocates say Iowans without computers or internet access could be left behind.
Anthony Carroll with the AARP says he wants the rules to be specific about transitioning to a paperless phonebook world.
"That is going to ensure that the 200,000 Iowa residents that do not have a computer are adequately transitioned,” Carroll says. “Especially when they rely on the phonebook for their basic needs.”
The Iowa Utilities Board heard from both consumer advocates and phone company representatives at a hearing this week.
The AARP also opposes proposed new rules giving phone companies more time to restore service when landline phones go down.
Currently companies have 72 hours to correct an outage. The new rules would require companies to restore service with the shortest possible delay.
Michael Sadler with CenturyLink says the industry is transitioning away from landlines to digital services.
“As a business you have to devote your resources to where they’re best used,” Sadler says.
“The current rules were set up in a monopoly environment that doesn't exist any more,” Sadler said. “It's time to take a new look at those old rules.”