Consumer advocate wants to block 4-1-1 deregulation

The state consumer advocate is asking the courts to block a decision that would deregulate the charges for 4-1-1 directory assistance. The Iowa Utilities Board has voted to let phone companies charge what they want for 4-1-1 service. Craig Graziano, an attorney in the consumer advocate’s office, says the concern is that the fee for making a 4-1-1 call will skyrocket once state controls are lifted.Graziano says Qwest, for example, is charging 60-cents per 4-1-1 call in Iowa today, but Qwest customers in Colorado get charged a buck-25.When you make a 4-1-1 call, it’s directed to your local telephone company.