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Ameritech Ohio v. Public Utilities Commission

Citation: 86 Ohio St. 3d 78Docket: No. 97-1618

Court: Ohio Supreme Court; July 14, 1999; Ohio; State Supreme Court

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The commission’s ruling against Ameritech's involvement in the AmeriCheck promotional program has been upheld. Ameritech violated R.C. 4905.33 by indirectly charging different compensation for telephone services to customers using the AmeriChecks, which were funded by its cablevision affiliate, Ameritech New Media. This practice effectively led to lower rates for New Media customers compared to others, breaching the statute's prohibition on unequal compensation for similar services.

Additionally, Ameritech's actions constituted an undue preference under R.C. 4905.35, as it provided a benefit to New Media customers over other telephone service customers, thereby creating a discriminatory pricing structure. The court confirmed that there was sufficient evidence supporting the commission's findings, affirming that the order was lawful and reasonable. Dissenting opinions were noted from Justices Moyer, Douglas, and Patton.