In its report, the working group found that local carriers are not prepared to meet three service requirements listed as necessary for adequate security.

Instead, there are many different long-distance and local carriers.

Then, the local carrier will provide the phones and air time.

In many cases, these local carriers have used those funds to build their own networks.

The plan may well be a model for other local carriers.

As a result, the commission has decided to delay imposing price caps for the local carriers until next year.

So why should the government subsidize local carriers in those regions?

You are much better off going with a local carrier and "renting" service.

Consumers were supposed to be able to choose from many new local carriers, leading to better service and lower prices.

Last month, many local carriers said they would reduce these charges in July.