Apply For Membership For your convenience we have provided PDF versions of our applications for you to download and print out. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to display and print out the applications. If you do not already have Acrobat installed on your system, push the button below to download Acrobat and follow the instructions provided.   Active Member Application Associate Member Application MEMBER BENEFITS The purpose of the OTA is to promote the common interests of the members in all matters affecting the telecommunications industry in the state of Ohio. Founded in 1895, and for over a 100 years representing the local exchange industry, the association now represents telecommunications providers in Ohio that deliver a wide variety of services through the latest technology. The OTA is a forum for discussion and coordination among member companies leading to mutual understanding and above all, industry consensus on issues affecting the telecommunications industry. The Association is a platform to disseminate and advocate public policy issues to consumers, legislators, regulators and various state and federal agencies. EDUCATION Public policy and technology seminars and forums are held to update member company personnel, making them more valuable to their companies by keeping them up to date on telecommunications developments. Along with formal training there are always opportunities for personnel to get acquainted, thereby generating a familiarity among telecommunications industry personnel. Meetings are held that allow member companies to describe certain business plans and services that may affect other members of the telecommunications industry. -Return to top of page-   PUBLIC POLICY Legislative Activities of the Governor and the Ohio General Assembly are monitored and reported to all member companies, on a year-round basis. Copies of all legislation introduced by the General Assembly affecting the industry are provided to member companies. Constant updates are sent to all member companies detailing activities and progress of bills and actions that affect the industry. Representatives of the member companies meet regularly to discuss and debate industry positions on pending legislation. Industry positions are then advocated to the Governor, members of the Ohio General Assembly and other important public policy makers. Members of the Ohio Congressional Delegation are kept informed on a regular basis on state and federal policies that impact the telecommunications industry. Regulatory Liaison with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) on behalf of the industry. Actions at the PUCO and OCC are reported to member companies along with clarifications obtained from key PUCO and OCC personnel. Reports on hearings are provided to member companies. PUCO and OCC documents are provided to member companies as requested. Research and analysis of PUCO and OCC proceedings, and/or past decisions are accomplished at the request of member companies. OTA is the forum for industry responses to PUCO directives and, when appropriate, requests from the OCC communicated through the Association. Agencies OTA monitors the following state and federal agencies to keep members informed of the latest developments: Department of Taxation Coordinate, clarify, interpret and represent OTA members on general tax and specifically, sales and use taxes, corporate income tax, gross receipts tax and franchise tax. Department of Administrative Services Keep abreast of possible opportunities in state telecommunications and disseminate information to members. Department of Development Keep informed of proceedings and notify member companies about department activity. SchoolNet Technology Advisory Committee Keep informed as to committee activities and analyze to determine potential impact on members. Communicatively Impaired Advisory Board Serve as ex-officio to ensure industry has input and to ensure that board is kept informed of advancement in technologies. Federal Communications Commission Keep all members informed of matters that come before the commission that could have impact upon their operations. Make members' position known on all critical issues that might come before the commission. Rural Utilities Services Work closely with Rural Utilities Services to ensure that the organization is responsive to the needs of the OTA small company members. -Return to top of page-   TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY GROUPS The OTA maintains active contact in the various national industry groups such as the United States Telecom Association (USTA), National Exchange Carriers Association (NECA), the Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunication Companies (OPASTCO) and National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA), to ensure representation of all members. RESEARCH Surveys are conducted on various aspects of the industry, public policy or public opinion analysis as requested by state agencies, the Ohio General Assembly, Ohio's Congressional Delegations, the PUCO, OCC and member companies. Research is conducted on pertinent industry subjects on behalf of member companies, and/or state and federal agencies and organizations. Various statistics of the telecommunications industry are collected and analyzed. MEMBER SERVICES Histories, human interest and other information concerning member companies is kept on hand for general information and/or preparation of special articles. Various maps of service areas, certificated areas and/or operational areas are provided to member companies. Newsletters are provided to member companies on pertinent industry actions. Complete meeting planning is provided to member companies. OTA serves as an informational point for academic institutions, public officials and industry groups, and the public at large. -Return to top of page-

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