So if AT&T is changing their policy on privicy, does that make

[still_one]

my contract with them null and void? In other words can I go to a competitor without penalty for contract I have with them for cellular or DSL service?

[truebrit71]

1. I don't see why not....

...but their sharks have probably figured out a way around it...

[Autumn Colors]

2. What if they're the only choice in the area?

We always had SNET (Southern New England Telephone) for our local and long distance service. SNET then became SBC and now SBC has become AT&T ... I'm looking for other options and while there are any number of choices for long distance service, I'm finding that my only choice for local service (i.e. maintenance of the physical lines, equipment repairs if needed, etc) is AT&T.

So are we back to regional monopolies by Ma Bell? It seems we've gone back to the way it used to be, at least as far as local service goes.

My husband and I could just use our cell phones and ditch the landline all together, but I have a home-based medical transcription company and need to have 2 dedicated phone lines (with a toll free number attached) and a separate fax line. Those are the lines I'm wondering about. I can't switch to VOIP because our cable goes out periodically and I can't risk having my incoming dictation phone lines go out - I would have over a dozen angry doctors on my hands looking at other transcription services the first time that happened.

I'm in Connecticut and any suggestions would be helpful regarding local service. As for long distance, I may switch to the service offered by Working Assets, but that doesn't solve the local service issue.