211 now may be assigned as “a community resource information...
211 now may be assigned as “a community resource information and referral answering point for various geographic areas within the state” for more communities, the Michigan Public Service Commission ordered Friday (http://xrl.us/bng2u2). The ruling covers Alanson, Boyne City, Boyne Falls,…
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Brutus, Charlevoix, East Jordan, Harbor Springs, Levering, Mackinaw City, Pellston, Petoskey, Beaver Island and Walloon Lake -- areas handled by Community Access Line. The company first applied for the 211 answering point in a March 30 application. The number already serves as a community information source for Muskegon, Ottawa, Mason, Oceana, Manistee, Lake, Mecosta, Newaygo and Osceola counties throughout the state. “Service platform issues should initially be determined between CALL 2-1-1 and the carriers,” the PSC order said, and cost of service should remain “a competitive issue rather than a matter subject to regulatory resolution.” The commission said its role will be limited to instances of interconnection issues between carriers unless the relevant parties seek the commission’s voice. Similar 211 systems currently operate in 39 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, the FCC website said (http://xrl.us/bng2uo). It said the FCC first reserved 211 in 2000 and “intended the 211 code as an easy-to-remember and universally recognizable number that would enable a critical connection between individuals and families in need and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies."