SouthwestTexas

Southwest Texas is published annually by Southwest Texas Communications

SOUTHWEST TEXAS COMMUNICATIONS June 2025 411SWTX.com BARKSDALE • CARTA VALLEY CAMP WOOD • D’HANIS • LOMA ALTA MONTELL • ROCKSPRINGS • UTOPIA VANDERPOOL • VINEGARROON Area Code 830

June 2025

INCLUDING LISTINGS FOR: FRIO CANYON, MOUNTAIN HOME, MEDINA, TARPLEY, GARVEN STORE

VISIT OUR ONLINE DIRECTORY 411SWTX.COM

2nd Place “GOLDEN HOUR” By Nicole Pina

3rd Place “RUMBLING RAINBOW” By Nicole Pina

“OLD PHILLIPS” By Mary Shanks

“FIELD OF GOLD” By Kelly Koch

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Fire, EMS, Ambulance, Law Enforcement ....................................... 911 Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives..................... 1-800-800-3855 Poison Control ....................1-800-222-1222 If Emergency ...................................... 911 National Suicide Prevention Crisis Line. 988

Customs & Border Patrol Barksdale ............................830-278-7133 Camp Wood ........................830-278-7133 D’Hanis ............................... 830-278-7133 Rocksprings ......................... 830-683-2255 Utopia ................................. 830-278-7133

EMERGENCY

One-Call is a free service and coordinates with pipeline companies and other local utilities to mark the location of underground utility lines before you start your project. By taking the time to make a phone call, we can all help ensure safe digging in our community.

988 SU I C I DE & CRISIS LIFELINE

988 LÍNEA DE PREVENCIÓN DEL SUICIDIO Y CRISIS

About The Cover

“First Sign Of Spring” by Patricia Rogers This photo was taken in the Montell, Texas area. Patricia Rogers has a passion for photography. She couldn’t let the opportunity slip by to capture this beautiful moment between two hummingbirds. Their iridescent, brightly colored feathers shimmered as the sun bathed them in the light. Patricia stated, “I thought the colors of the flowers were so beautiful, and what added more to it were the hummingbirds. The combination of the colors and the background went perfectly together.” Patricia expressed that the hummingbird is one of her favorite birds to capture. This photo was taken with an IKON Camera. We are looking forward to seeing more from Patricia in the future.

© 2025 Southwest Texas Communications Rocksprings, Texas

Published By: DPS Media

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How to Call Us New service or change in existing service ... Questions about your bill ... 830-683-2111 REPAIR SERVICE CALL 611 After hours and on the weekends, you may call our Help Desk at 830-683-2111. CALL BEFORE YOU DIG 811

TELEPHONE INFO

When to Call Us www.swtexas.com Our business hours are 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. and 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Weekdays (Except New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas) Voice mail: 830-683-2111

How to Pay Your Bill

PAY BY MAIL P.O. Box 128 Rocksprings, Texas 78880 PAY BY DRAFT Contact customer service for assistance PAY BY PHONE Contact customer service for assistance After Hours: 833-425-l819 ONLINE PAYMENT www.swtexas.com

NIGHT DEPOSIT Rocksprings Only - Phone Store PAY IN PERSON Our convenient locations:

Camp Wood First State Bank of Uvalde 308 N. Nueces St. 830-597-2288

Rocksprings Phone Store 122 N. Well St. 830-683-6220

Utopia Utopia General Store 406 N. Main St. 830-966-3444

To Purchase Telephones and Accessories, visit or call the Phone Store in Rocksprings 122 N. Well St. • (830) 683-6220

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Rocksprings, Texas

Federal Offices UNITED STATES SENATORS John Cornyn 517 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-2934 UNITED STATES SENATORS Ted Cruz 404 Russell Senate Office Bldg Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-5922

PRESIDENT Donald J. Trump The White House

UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVES 23rd District Congressman Tony Gonzales 1009 Longworth House Office Bldg Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-4511 UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVES 21st District

1600 Pennsylvania Ave Washington, D.C. 20500 VICE PRESIDENT J.D. Vance Old Executive Office Bldg Washington, D.C. 20501 (202) 456-2326

GOVERNMENT

Congressman Chip Roy 1319 Longworth HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-4236

State Offices

GOVERNOR Greg Abbott State Capital Room 2 S.1 P.O. Box 12428 Austin, TX 78711 1-800-843-5789 LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Dan Patrick Austin, TX 78711 (512) 463-0001 SPEAKER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Dustin Burrows State Capitol P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768-2910 SECRETARY OF STATE Jane Nelson 1100 Congress P.O. Box 12887 Capitol Bldg. Room 1E.8 Capitol Station P.O. Box 12068

STATE REPRESENTATIVE District 53 Rep. Wesley Virdell P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 (512) 463-0536 District 80 Rep. Don McLaughlin P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 (512) 463-0194 District 74 Rep. Eddie Morales P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768 (512) 463-0566 ATTORNEY GENERAL Ken Paxton 300 W. 15th St. P.O. Box 12548 Austin, TX 78711-2548 (512) 463-2100 TEXAS SUPREME COURT Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock 201 West 14th Rm 104 P.O. Box 12248 Austin, TX 78711 (512) 463-1312 TEXAS COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS David J. Schenck Presiding Judge P.O. Box 12308 209 West 14th Austin, TX 78711 (512) 463-1551 or 1553

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS District 1-Gustavo Reveles 2100 George Dieter P.O. Box 962792 El Paso, TX 79996 (915) 299-8293 District 3-Marisa B. Perez-Diaz P.O. Box 276406 San Antonio, TX 78227 (210) 317-4615 GENERAL LAND OFFICE Dawn Buckingham, MD 1700 N. Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78701-1495 (512) 463-5256 COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE Sid Miller 1700 N. Congress Ave. 11th Floor P.O. Box 12847 COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS Glenn Hegar P.O. Box 13528 Austin, TX 78711-3528 800-252-5555 RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS Christi Craddick, Chairman Wayne Christian, Commissioner Jim Wright, Commissioner P.O. Box 12967 1701 N. Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78711 Austin, TX 78711 (512) 463-7476

Austin, TX 78701 (512) 463-5600 TEXAS STATE SENATORS District 19 Senator Roland Gutierrez P.O. Box 12068 Capitol Station

Austin, TX 78711 (512) 463-0119 District 24 Senator Pete Flores P.O. Box 12068 Capital Station Austin, TX 78711 (512) 463-0124

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Rocksprings, Texas

State Agencies

GOVERNMENT

AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ........................................................................ 800-458-9858 AGRICULTURE, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF Customer Service................................................................................................. 800-835-5832 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE COMMISSION, TEXAS ......................................................888-843-8222 ANIMAL HEALTH COMMISSION.............................................................................. 800-550-8242 ATTORNEY GENERAL, OFFICE OF THE Office Line............................................................................................................ 800-252-8011 Child Support....................................................................................................... 800-252-8014 BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED, TEXAS SCHOOL.................................................... 800-872-5273 COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS ................................................................. 888-334-4112 CONSUMER CREDIT COMMISSIONER, OFFICE OF ................................................. 800-538-1579 DEAF, SCHOOL FOR THE ......................................................................................... 800-332-3873 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, TEXAS COMMISSION 24-Hour Complaints Hotline ................................................................................ 512-239-1000 ETHICS COMMISSION, TEXAS ................................................................................ 512-463-5800 FAMILY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES..................................................................... 800-252-5400 GOVERNOR, OFFICE OF THE Info & Referral ..................................................................................................... 800-843-5789 GOVERNMENT INFORMATION, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF ...................................... 512-463-4630 HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, TEXAS DEPARTMENT ....................................... 512-438-4880 Medicaid Client Hotline ........................................................................................ 800-252-8263 CHIP Call Center .................................................................................................. 800-647-6558 Hearing & Speech Impaired................................................................................. 800-735-2989 INFORMATION RESOURCES, DEPT OF ................................................................... 855-275-3471 SECRETARY OF STATE Elections ................................................................................................1-800-252-VOTE(8683) TEXAS CRIME STOPPERS ............................................................................ 800-252-TIPS (8477) TRANSPORTATION, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF........................................................ 800-558-9368 VETERANS COMMISSION, TEXAS........................................................................... 800-252-8387 WORKFORCE COMMISSION OF TEXAS................................................................... 800-939-6631

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Index

Emergency Numbers ............................................ 1 How To Call Us ................................................... 2 Government Offices-Federal & State.................... 3 State Agencies....................................................... 4 General Information.........................................6-18 Lifeline Program..................................................11 Texas No-Call List. ............................................. l7 National Do-Not-Call Registry ......................17-18 Postal ZIP Codes .................................................18 Informacion General ......................................19-31 Information About Your Telephone Service ..32-38 Choosing Your Long Distance Company ...........33 Repair Service......................................................37 Texas Area Codes................................................39 Area Code Maps ............................................40-41 SWTC Broadband Internet Services....................42 Southwest SoloNet ..............................................43 IWPP/Lifeline ......................................................44 Calling Features & Optional Services ..................45 Table of Contents ................................................46 Calling Features Caller ID .....................................................47 Calling Number Blocking............................48 Conference Calling Service..........................48 Voice Mail..............................................49-50

Advanced/Enhanced Features

Package Offerings........................................51 Anonymous Call Rejection .........................51 Call Forward-Busy......................................52 Call Forward-Fixed.....................................52 Call Forward-No Answer............................52 Call Forward-Preferred ...............................53 Call Forward-Remote Activation Of ..........54 Call Forward-Variable ................................54 Call Return..................................................55 Call Screening..............................................56 Call Trace....................................................57 Call Waiting ...........................................57-58 Call Waiting Caller ID ................................58 Distinctive Ring ..........................................58 Inside Wiring Protection Plan .....................58 Priority Ringing ..........................................59 Repeat Dialing ............................................60 Special Call Acceptance ..............................61 Speed Dialing ..............................................62 Telemarketing-Do Not Disturb...................63 Three-Way Calling ......................................63 Teen Service ................................................64 Toll Restriction ...........................................64 Toll Control With PIN................................64

INDEX

Other Services

Our Service Area

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Rocksprings, Texas

General Information

We welcome you as a customer. The following information is to acquaint you with some of the rules and practices of our Company and your rights as a customer. YOUR RIGHT TO INFORMATION CONCERNING RATES AND SERVICES AS A CUSTOMER OF SOUTHWEST TEXAS COMMUNICATIONS

YOUR RIGHT TO INSPECT OR OBTAIN A COPY OF THE APPLICABLE TARIFFS AND SERVICE RULES

The services provided by our Company are public utility services, subject to the rules, regulations, and charges set forth in our tariffs and rules of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, which will at all times control the provision of such communication services. In the event of a conflict between such tariffs and the information contained in this notice, the tariffs shall prevail. The tariffs are subject to change and are available for inspection at our business office during office hours. We will provide copies of any such portion of the tariffs at a reasonable cost to reproduce such tariff for a requesting party. Upon application for residential service, you will be informed of the lowest-priced service alternatives available. We will explain the alternatives available at your location, giving full consideration to equipment options and installation charges. Southwest Texas Communications provides utility services without discrimination as to a customer's race, nationality, color, religion, sex, or marital status. Southwest Texas Communications is the recipient of Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and is subject to the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs, are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720- 2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint filing cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: 1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

GEN INFO ENGLISH

1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 2. Fax: (202) 690-7442; or 3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

The person responsible for coordinating this organization's nondiscrimination compliance efforts is Justin Hankins, Compliance Officer. Any individual or specific class of individuals, who feel that this organization has subjected them to discrimination, may obtain additional information on the above statutes and regulations from USDA.

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Rocksprings, Texas

General Information

ESTABLISHMENT OF CREDIT FOR RESIDENTIAL APPLICANTS

An applicant is defined as a person who applies for service for the first time or reapplies at a new or existing location after discontinuance of service. A customer is defined as someone who is currently receiving service. We may require you, as a residential applicant for service, to satisfactorily establish credit, but establishment of credit does not relieve you from complying with the rules for prompt payment of bills. Credit history will be applied for a reasonable period of time to a spouse or former spouse who shared the service. Credit history maintained by one will be applied equally to the other without modification and without additional qualifications not required by the other. All applicants for permanent residential service who are 65 years of age or older will be considered as having established credit if such applicant does not have an outstanding balance with us or another utility for the same utility service which accrued in the last two years. No cash deposit shall be required of such applicant under these conditions. We may decline to serve you until you have complied with the approved rules and regulations of the Company on file with the Commission governing the service applied for, or for the following reasons: • If your installation or equipment is known to be hazardous or of such character that satisfactory service cannot be given. • If service is requested at a location where another customer received or continues to receive service, the other customer's bill from the Company is unpaid at that location, and the Company can prove that the change of account holder and billing name is made to avoid or evade payment of an outstanding bill owed to the Company. GROUNDS FOR REFUSAL TO SERVE

GEN INFO ENGLISH

YOUR RIGHT TO REGISTER A COMPLAINT WITH THE PUC

You have the right to file a formal or informal complaint or pursue any matter with the Public Utility Commission of Texas at this address: Public Utility Commission of Texas 1701 N Congress Ave. PO Box 13326 Austin, TX 78711-3326 512-936-7120; Toll Free 888-782-8477 or (TTY 1-512-936-7136)

711 for teletypewriter for the deaf email: consumer@puc.texas.gov online complaint: puc.texas.gov

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Rocksprings, Texas

General Information

PAYMENT LOCATIONS AND BILLING INFORMATION

Service representatives are available at the Business Office to explain billing questions and provide rates for various classes and grades of service and accept applications for service arrangements. Call our business office. 830-683-2111

Our business hours are 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. and 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Weekdays (Except New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas)

Pay by mail - P.O. Box 128, Rocksprings, TX 78880 Pay by draft - Contact customer service for assistance Pay by phone - Contact customer service for assistance: 833-425-1819 Night Deposit - Rocksprings Only - Phone Store Online Payments - www.swtexas.com Pay in person at our convenient locations Rocksprings - Phone Store - 122 N. Well St. 830-683-6220 Camp Wood - First State Bank of Uvalde - 308 N. Nueces St. 830-597-2288 Utopia - Utopia General Store - 406 N. Main St. 830-966-3444

GEN INFO ENGLISH

BILLING DISPUTES

We strive to ensure that our bills are completely accurate, but errors are sometimes made. If you have not been properly credited for a payment or if you believe that you are being improperly billed for long distance calls or other charges, please call a service representative at our office or write us at P.O. Box 128, Rocksprings, TX 78880. If the service representative's explanation is unsatisfactory, your customer rights include a supervisory review which will be provided within ten (10) days of your request. You must pay by the due date for all undisputed charges but are not required to pay for the disputed charges pending investigation. Service will not be disconnected for disputed charges pending investigation. These extensions, however, will not exceed sixty (60) days.

OVERBILLING AND UNDERBILLING BY THE COMPANY

If billings for telephone services are found to differ from the Company's lawful rates for the services being purchased by the customer, a billing adjustment will be calculated by the Company. If you are due a refund, an adjustment will be made for the entire period of overcharges. If you were undercharged, we may back bill you for a period not to exceed six (6) months from the date we initially notified you of the amount of undercharge and the total additional amount that will be due. The amount will be added to the next regular billing. If the underbilling is $25.00 or more, we will offer you a deferred payment plan option for the same length of time as that of the underbilling. If you question any long distance charges, you may be asked to contact your long distance company, and the particular calls in question may be deducted from the bill, upon notification to the Company, until the charges have been verified or adjusted. The balance of the bill is due and payable by the due date.

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Rocksprings, Texas

General Information

TIME ALLOWED TO PAY OUTSTANDING BILLS

You are responsible for payment of all charges for exchange service and equipment furnished and toll messages (including special service billing charges) originating at your station, and for all toll messages received at your station on which charges have been reversed with consent of the person called. All charges for local services and facilities are billed monthly in advance. Toll message service (including charges for special billing services) charges are due when billed. Itemized toll statements are included in each bill. All bills for local, toll, and miscellaneous services are due and payable at our office or at an authorized payment agency on or before the due date which is sixteen (16) days after issuance. A bill for telephone service is delinquent if unpaid by the due date. The postmark, if any, on the envelope of the bill, or an issuance date on the bill, if there is no postmark on the envelope, shall constitute proof of the date of issuance. If the due date falls on a holiday or weekend, the due date for payment purposes shall be the next work day after the due date. If for whatever reason you do not receive a telephone bill, you should call our office and inquire about the due date and about receiving a copy of the bill. The Company may disconnect telephone service after giving ten (10) days written notice to the customer for: • Failure to pay a delinquent account for utility services or failure to comply with the terms of a deferred payment agreement. The Company has no control over mail delivery. • Failure of the customer to reimburse, or make good to the Company, a check or monies not honored by the bank on which issued. • Violation of the Company's rules as pertaining to the use of service in a manner which interferes with the service of others, or the operation of nonstandard equipment, if a reasonable attempt has been made to notify the customer and the customer is provided with a reasonable opportunity to remedy the situation. GROUNDS FOR TERMINATION OF SERVICE BY THE COMPANY

GEN INFO ENGLISH

The Company may disconnect telephone service without giving notice to the Customer for: • Failure to comply with a PLTS agreement. • For tampering with the Company's equipment. • Where a known dangerous condition exists for as long as the condition exists.

• Unless a dangerous condition exists or unless the customer requests disconnection, service shall not be disconnected on a day, or on a day immediately preceding a day, when personnel of the Company are not available to the public for the purpose of making collections and reconnecting service. • Please call our office if you need to inquire about your account and timelines of your payment.

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Rocksprings, Texas

GEN INFO ENGLISH • The Company may suspend or terminate telephone service to any persons, firm, or corporation who, over the facilities furnished by the Company, uses or permits others to impersonate any other individual with fraudulent or malicious intent, or uses or permits their telephone to be used to make nuisance calls. • Service and facilities will not be furnished, or if being furnished by the Company, will be discontinued to any person, firm or corporation, if any law enforcement agency, acting within its jurisdiction, advises that such service is being, or will be used in violation of the law. General Information • The Company may suspend or terminate telephone service to any persons, firm, or corporation who, obtains, attempts to obtain, or assists another to obtain local or long-distance message telecommunications service by rearranging, tampering with, or making connection with any facilities of the Company by any trick, scheme, false representation, or false credit device, or by or through any other fraudulent means or device whatsoever, with intent to avoid the payment in whole or in part of the regular charge for such service. • The Company may disconnect, without advance notice, the telephone service used by a customer in connection with a plan or contrivance to secure a large volume of telephone calls to be directed to such customer or the telephone of any designated customer at or about the same time, resulting in preventing, obstructing or delaying phone service of others.

STEPS THAT MUST BE TAKEN BEFORE THE COMPANY MAY TERMINATE SERVICE

In the event of failure by the customer or those otherwise responsible to pay any regular bill or any part thereof, we may discontinue service if the bill has not been paid or a deferred payment agreement entered into within twenty-six (26) days from the date of issuance, if proper notice has been given. Proper notice will consist of a separate mailing at least ten (10) days prior to a stated date of disconnection. Unless a dangerous condition exists or unless the customer requests disconnection, service will not be disconnected on a day, or on a day immediately preceding a day, when personnel of the Company are not available to the public for the purpose of making collections and reconnecting service.

STEPS NECESSARY TO HAVE SERVICE RECONNECTED AFTER INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION

Service will not be restored unless or until all amounts due on the due date are paid in full, including restoration of service charges or a deferred payment plan entered into. Check by phone is available as a payment option. We may request the customer to submit cash, money order, or cashier's check in payment of bill and reconnection charges and not accept a personal check or monies not guaranteed when the history of a customer account warrants such action. As a customer, you have the right to request an alternative payment plan. We will offer, upon request, a deferred payment plan to any residential customer who has expressed an inability to pay all of their bill, if that customer has not been issued more than two termination notices at any time during the preceding twelve (12) months and shall not refuse a customer participation in such a program on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, or marital status. We are not required to enter into a deferred payment plan with any customer who is lacking sufficient credit or a satisfactory history of payment for previous service when you have had service from us for no more than three (3) months. If you have not fulfilled the terms of a deferred payment agreement, we will have the right to disconnect pursuant to disconnection rules and shall not be required to offer subsequent negotiation of a deferred payment agreement prior to disconnection. A deferred payment plan may include a five percent (5%) penalty for late payment but shall not include a finance charge. DEFERRED PAYMENT PLAN OFFERED BY THE COMPANY

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Rocksprings, Texas

General Information

A local service option called Prepaid Local Telephone service (PLTS) is now available. PLTS provides eligible customers a one-time opportunity to retain their local service if they are at risk of disconnection of their local service for nonpayment of telephone bills. It also allows residential customers who have been disconnected because of delinquent or unpaid bills to be reconnected. PLTS is not available to business customers. In order to subscribe, you must contact the Company's business office during normal business hours and request PLTS. If your telephone has been disconnected and you apply for PLTS within 10 days of receiving a notice, you will not be required to pay the reconnection charge for restoring service. However, when you return to basic local telecommunications service, you will be charged that reconnection fee. To receive PLTS, you are required to subscribe to Toll Blocking/Restriction Service which prevents you from making long distance telephone calls, receiving collect calls, accessing directory assistance services or using usage sensitive services (such as call return, call trace and auto redial, if offered by the Company). In subscribing to PLTS, you agree not to incur additional charges for these services. In addition, you agree not to request additional service from the Company other than those included in the PLTS subscription. Customers subscribing to PLTS will not be required to pay a deposit; however, you must make an initial two-month prepayment for PLTS services and enter into a deferred payment agreement for the payment of any outstanding local service balance that can be identified by the Company. Monthly payments under this payment agreement may not exceed the greater of $10 or 1/12 of the outstanding local service balance owed to the Company and will begin in the third month after subscribing to PLTS. Customers are responsible for making timely payments on their PLTS account and abiding by the terms and conditions of PLTS. A customer will be disconnected immediately from PLTS for violation of PLTS terms and conditions and will no longer be eligible to receive PLTS from the Company. If you are disconnected, the Company has the right to retain and apply any amounts left in your PLTS account to your outstanding balance owed to the Company. A customer may return to Basic Local Telecommunications Service from PLTS by paying all PLTS charges on time and paying all outstanding debt to the Company, including outstanding long distance charges. If you have any questions regarding PLTS, its terms or conditions, please contact the Southwest Texas Communications business office. PREPAID LOCAL TELEPHONE SERVICE Lifeline service is a government program designed to make monthly residential telecommunication services more affordable to eligible low-income customers. Customers who are eligible for the Lifeline program are also eligible for toll blocking at no additional charge. To be eligible for Lifeline, a customer's annual household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or a customer must receive benefits from or have a child in the household who receives benefits from at least one of the following programs: Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), health benefits coverage under the State Child Health Plan (CHIP), Health and Safety Code, National School Lunch Program (free lunch program), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Lifeline is a non-transferable service and eligible subscribers may receive assistance from only one wireline or wireless telecommunications provider per household. Only eligible customers may enroll in the program. Customers are required to submit a Lifeline application form and will be required to certify continued eligibility annually. Customers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain Lifeline benefits can be punished by fine or imprisonment or can be barred from the program. Questions concerning Lifeline application or eligibility may be directed to the Low-Income Discount Administrator (LIDA) at 1-866-454-8387 or www.texaslifeline.org. Basic services are offered to all customers in Southwest Texas Communications service territories at the rates, terms, and conditions specified in Southwest Texas Communications tariff. If you have any questions regarding the Company's services, please call us at 830-683-2111, or visit our business office at 939 S Texas Hwy 55 Rocksprings, Texas. When an 800, 888, and other toll-free prefixes and 900 services number is dialed from your telephone, your telephone number may be transmitted to the company you have called and may be available to that company's service representative before your call is answered. See "Call Number Blocking" on page 48 if you wish to block your number. AUTOMATIC NUMBER IDENTIFICATION LIFELINE PROGRAM

GEN INFO ENGLISH

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Rocksprings, Texas

General Information

TELEPHONE SOLICITATION

Texas law provides certain protections for a person who receives a telephone solicitation at a residence. A telephone solicitor must: • Identify himself or herself by name • Identify the business on whose behalf he or she is calling • Identify the purpose of the call A telephone solicitor may not call a residence before 9 A.M. or after 9 P.M. on a weekday or Saturday, on or before noon or after 9 P.M. on Sunday. If a telephone solicitor uses an automatic dialing/announcing device, the machine must disconnect from your line within 30 seconds after termination of the call. Exceptions: The requirements above do not apply to telephone solicitations made at your request, or solicitations made in connection with an existing debt or contract, or calls from a telephone solicitor with whom you have a prior or existing business relationship. If you use a credit card to purchase a good or service from a telephone solicitor other than a public charity (an organization exempt from federal income tax under the Internal Revenue Code § 501 (c)(3)), the seller must: • Offer a full refund for the return of undamaged and unused goods within seven days after you receive the goods or service (the seller must process the refund within 30 days after you return the merchandise or cancel your order of undelivered goods or services); or • Provide you with a written contract fully describing the goods or services being offered, the total price charged, the name, address, and business phone of the seller, and any terms and conditions affecting the sale. Complaints: The Texas Attorney General investigates complaints relating to a violation of this law, which is found at the Business and Commerce Code Chapter 37. If you have complaint about a telephone solicitor who you believe has violated this law, contact: Office of the Attorney General of Texas Consumer Protection Division P.O. Box 12548 Austin, TX 78711 1-800-621-0508 Another law, found at Texas Civil Statures Article 1446c, § 119 and § 120, requires a telephone solicitor to make every effort not to call a consumer who asks not to be called again. Complaints relating to a violation of this law are investigated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. If you have a complaint about repeated solicitation from a telephone solicitor you have asked not to call you again, contact: Public Information Office Public Utility Commission of Texas 1701 N Congress Ave. P.O. Box 13326 Austin, TX 78711-3326 512-936-7120; Toll Free 888-782-8477 or 711 teletypewriter for the deaf (See also National Do-Not-Call Registry and Texas No Call List)

GEN INFO ENGLISH

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Rocksprings, Texas

General Information

CUSTOMER PROPRIETARY NETWORK INFORMATION

In the normal course of providing your telephone service, Southwest Texas Communications maintains certain information about your account. This information, when matched to your name, address, and calling or originating billing telephone number, is known as your customer-specific "Customer Proprietary Network Information," or CPNI for short. Examples of your CPNI include the type of line you have, technical characteristics (like touch tone or rotary service), class of service (business or residential), current telephone charges, long distance and local service billing records, directory assistance charges, usage data, and calling patterns. The PUC has adopted a rule which states that, upon your request, we may not use your customer specific CPNI to market certain telephone services or features to you. In other words, if you request that your CPNI be considered "restricted", Southwest Texas Communications would be prohibited from using your CPNI to market to you certain telephone services or features that may be available to you from other sources. The only exception to the above prohibition is if you, the customer, initiate contact with us and inquire about these services or features. It is important to note that restricting your customer-specific CPNI will not eliminate all of our marketing communications with you. We may continue to use your customer-specific CPNI to contact you regarding telephone services and features we offer that are not available to you from another source. We may also continue our marketing contacts that are not based on your customer-specific CPNI. If you wish to have your customer-specific CPNI considered "restricted", please call our Business Office at 830-683-2111 or stop by our office at 939 S. Texas Hwy 55, Rocksprings, Texas and talk to one of our service representatives during our normal business hours. Simply tell us that you wish to restrict the use of your customer specific CPNI. There will be no charge for restricting your customer information, and the restriction will remain in effect until you notify us otherwise.

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YOUR RIGHT TO PRIVACY

Section 222 of Communications Acts requires telecommunications carriers to take specific steps to ensure that CPNI is adequately protected from unauthorized disclosure. Southwest Texas Communications has adopted additional safeguards to protect customers' CPNI.

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General Information

SLAMMING

Telephone companies are prohibited by law from switching you from one telephone service provider to another without your authorization, a practice commonly known as "slamming." If you are slammed, Texas law requires the telephone company that slammed you to do the following: 1. Pay all charges associated with returning you to your original telephone company within five business days of your request. 2. Provide all billing records to your original telephone company within 10 business days of your request. 3. Pay your original telephone company the amount you would have paid if you had not been slammed. 4. Refund to you within 30 business days any amount you paid for charges during the first 30 days after the slam and any amount more than what you would have paid your original telephone company for charges after the first 30 days following the slam. Your original telephone company is required to provide you with all the benefits (e.g., frequent flyer miles) you would have normally received for your telephone use during the period in which you were slammed. If you have been slammed, you can change your service immediately back to your original provider by calling your local telephone company. You should also report the slam by writing or calling the Public Utility Commission of Texas, P.O. Box 13326, Austin, TX 78711-3326, (512) 936-7120 or in Texas (toll free) (888) 782-8477, fax: (512) 936-7003, email address: consumer@puc.texas.gov. Hearing and speech impaired individuals with text telephone (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936-7136. You can prevent slamming by requesting a preferred telephone company freeze from your local telephone company. With a freeze in place, you must give formal consent to "lift" the freeze before your phone service can be changed. A freeze may apply to local toll service, long distance service, or both. The Public Utility Commission of Texas can give you more information about freezes and your rights as a customer. Please contact the Public Utility of Commission if you would like further information about these additional rights. Placing charges on your phone bill for products or services without your authorization is known as "cramming" and is prohibited by law. Your telephone company may be providing billing services for other companies, so other companies' charges may appear on your telephone bill. If you believe you were "crammed", you should contact the telephone company and request that it take corrective action. The Public Utility Commission of Texas requires the billing telephone company to do the following within 45 days of when it learns of the unauthorized charge: 1. Notify the service provider to cease charging you for the unauthorized product or service. 2. Remove any unauthorized charge from your bill. 3. Refund or credit all money to you that you have paid for an unauthorized charge within 15 business days after the charge is removed from your telephone bill. If the company fails to resolve your request, or if you would like to file a complaint, please write or call the Public Utility Commission of Texas, P.O. Box 13326, Austin, TX 78711-3326, (512) 936-7120 or toll-free in Texas at (888) 728-8477. Hearing and speech impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contract the commission at (512) 936-7136. Your phone service cannot be disconnected for disputing or refusing to pay unauthorized charges. You may have additional rights under state and federal law. Please contact the Federal Communications Commission, the Attorney General of Texas or the Public Utility Commission of Texas if you would like further information about possible additional rights. CRAMMING

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TEXAS UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND

This fund was created by the State of Texas to help pay for low-income customers and customers in high-cost rural areas and to serve customers with disabilities. This charge is approximately 12% of your bill and is being offset by reductions in in-state long distance charges. It appears on your bill as "Texas Universal Service." If you have any questions about this charge or how it is calculated, please call our business office.

FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE CHARGE

The Federal Universal Service Charge, as prescribed by the Federal Communications Commission, is now included in your telephone bill. The amount collected through this charge funds telecommunications services discounts to schools, libraries, rural health care providers, and low-income customers; it also provides funds to local telephone companies that serve rural, insular and high-cost areas.

DEAF, HARD OF HEARING, OR SPEECH IMPAIRED SERVICES

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Customer Telephone Access-RELAY TEXAS This service relays calls between a person using a TDD or other assistive devices and any other telephone user within the state. The service also allows a person without a TDD to call a TDD user. Specially trained personnel are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to relay the call. There is no extra charge for this service. Calls placed to destinations within the State of Texas will be billed at discounted rates. Long Distance calls placed through RELAY TEXAS will be billed at US T-Mobile rates. To use RELAY TEXAS or obtain more information, call toll free:

If you have a TDD, dial 1 + 800 + RELAY-TX (1-800-735-2989) or 711 If you do not have a TDD, dial 1 + 800 + RELAY-W or (1-800-735-2988) For additional questions, contact T-Mobile TRS Customer Service at 1-800-676-3777.

SPECIALIZED TELECOMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP) provides financial assistance to help Texas residents with disabilities purchase basic specialized equipment or services needed to access the telephone network. For more information, contact the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 512-407 3250 (Voice) or 512-407-3251 (TTY) or www.sunset.texas.gov/reviews-and-reports/agencies/texas-commission deaf-and-hard-hearing. This program is open to all individuals who are residents of Texas and have a disability.

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900 PAY-PER-CALL SERVICES

GEN INFO ENGLISH Customer's Procedures for Notice of Billing Error: Provide either written or oral notice to the Carrier listed on the 900 bill page where the alleged billing error appears within 60 days from the date it appears on your bill. Oral notification of an alleged billing error is considered sufficient notification. Notice includes the following: Customer name and telephone number charges were billed to, date, amount and type of error you believe occurred, and a brief description of why you believe the billing to be in error. • Customer's Rights and Obligations: You have the right to withhold payment of the disputed charges for 900 services that you have reported as billing errors pending the resolution of a billing review; no collection activity will occur during the billing review and the disputed amount will be suspended pending the resolution of the billing review. You will not be charged for a billing review. If the billing review determines that a billing error has occurred, your account will be adjusted appropriately, even if it was a partial error or an error different from the one you reported. If the billing review determines that no billing error has occurred, you will receive an explanation outlining why it was determined that no billing error occurred; you will be notified in writing or with the next billing statement, of the payment date for that portion of the disputed amount that has been determined not to be in error; your payment may be made with your normal billing. Your local and long distance services cannot be disconnected for non-payment of 900 charges; however, failure to pay legitimate 900 charges may result in your access to 900 services being involuntarily blocked; the long distance carrier(s) or information provider(s) may proceed with outside collections against you for non-payment of these charges. Voluntary blocking of access to 900 services is available. You have a right not to be billed for pay-per-call service not offered in compliance with the federal laws and regulations established under the Telephone Disclosure and Dispute Resolution Act of 1992. Your local telephone company is a billing entity for the long distance carriers and the information providers that furnish 900 pay-per-call services. As a billing entity for these services, we have certain rights and responsibilities as it relates to 900 pay-per-call service. • Carrier's Procedures in Response to Customer's Notification of Billing Error: Upon receipt of a billing error notification, a written acknowledgment will be sent to the customer within 40 days of receiving the customer's notice which will advise that they need not pay the disputed amount pending an investigation; however, if billing error is corrected and the customer's account credited, if applicable, within the 40 day period no written acknowledgment is required. If it is determined that a billing error occurred, it will be corrected and the account credited within two (2) billing cycles; the customer will be notified of the correction; if it is determined that a billing error did not occur, an explanation to the customer outlining why it was determined no billing error occurred; if requested by the customer, the billing entity will provide a written explanation with sufficient documentation to support the charges due from the customer. The billing entity is obligated to forfeit any disputed amount up to $50.00 per transaction if they fail to follow the billing and collection procedures set forth in federal law and regulation. • Telephone Company's Rights & Obligations: Local or long distance service may not be disconnected for non payment of 900 charges. The Telephone Company may either on its own initiative or at the request of the interexchange carrier or information provider, block your access to 900 services if you fail to pay legitimate charges. Upon customer request and where technically feasible, 900 blocking will be provided at a fee approved by law or regulation. This information sets out the rights and obligations for you, the Telephone Company and the Interexchange Carriers with regard to the use, purchase and billing of 900 pay-per-call services. This information is being provided under the federal Telephone Disclosure and Dispute Resolution Act of 1992. •

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FRAUDULENT COLLECT CALLS

A collect call is a telephone call for which you will pay all charges for that telephone call. Customers should be aware that when they receive a collect call, they will be asked to accept or reject this type of call. Unless you are willing to pay those charges, do not accept the phone call. Southwest Texas Communications encourages customers to be certain of the caller's identification prior to accepting collect calls. If the caller's identification is not recognized, the customer should reject the call. Before a collect call is connected, you have the right to either accept or decline the charges. You should request the rate and charges of the collect call prior to accepting the charges. Once the collect call has been accepted, you will be billed for all charges connected to that phone call. If you are billed for a collect call that exceeds a $35 charge for a call less than five minutes in duration, you should contact Southwest Texas Communications at: Southwest Texas Communications 939 S. Texas Hwy 55 P.O. Box 128 Rocksprings, TX 78880 830-683-2111 or the Public Utility Commission of Texas at: PUC - Customer Protection P.O. Box 13326 Austin, TX 78711-3326 1-888-782-8477 or in Austin 512-936-7136 (TTY 512-936-7136) Fax: 1-512-936-7003 or E-mail: consumer@puc.texas.gov If you believe you have been billed for unauthorized collect call charges, the particular call or calls in question may be deducted from the bill upon notification to Southwest Texas Communications, until the charges have been verified or adjusted. The balance of the bill is due and payable by the due date. The Public Utility Commission of Texas has directed telecommunications providers to provide this notice to customers regarding your rights when accepting collect calls as there have been instances where collect calls have been placed for fraudulent reason. The company is required to monitor customer calls based on fraudulent Collect Calls. Therefore, if you believe you have been victimized by such practices you are encouraged to report it. Both the federal government and the State of Texas have adopted telemarketing rules that allow a consumer to revoke or give notice to a telemarketing firm that they cannot be contacted by the company. If you have already registered for the Texas "No-Call List" you must register again with the federal National Do-Not-Call Registry to be on both lists. To register on either list for the first time, please follow the directions below. For the National Do-Not-Call Registry you may register in two ways: Please note that you must call from the telephone number you wish to register. Subscribers may register their residential telephone number, including wireless numbers, on the National Do-Not-Call Registry by telephone or by Internet at no cost. The registration can take up to 31 days after you complete registration to become effective, so you can complain about telemarketing calls that you receive three months or more after your registration. Your registered telephone number(s) will remain on the list until it's disconnected and reassigned, or if you ask to remove it. 1) Online at www.donotcall.gov for the federal registration, or 2) call toll-free 1-888-382-1222; TTY, call 1-866-290-4236. NATIONAL DO-NOT-CALL AND TEXAS NO-CALL LIST REGISTRATION

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