February 2005

MCC Cutting Rates

By Stephen St. Amand

Molalla Pioneer

Internet prices dropped; co-op offers customer credits for electronic bill pay and statements

Touting increased efficiency in its operations, Molalla Communications Company announced it would cut both its dialup and broadband Internet rates to its membership.

In addition, MCC President and Chief Engineering Officer Michael East said all members can save an additional $3 per month by receiving billing statements electronically and signing up for the co-op’s electronic auto payment program.

“The cost of producing, mailing and processing a monthly statement is significant,” East said. “By utilizing technologies that are both proven and secure, the cooperative can reduce costs and is able to pass those savings on directly to the membership who are making that possible.”

Effective immediately, the MCC Board of Directors also voted to lower basic dial-up Internet rate to $15 per month, down from the $21.95 monthly fee. Broadband customers will receive a $5 monthly credit if they take advantage of autopay and the electronic billing option, in which statements are delivered to their e-mail account rather than through the mail.

The reductions come on top of a 13-percent decrease to extended long distance rates in 2004. East said the customer savings can be attributed to cost-saving measures presented by MCC employees.

“Reducing rates to our membership is a wonderful accomplishment that all of the employees should be commended for,” said Ed Lettenmaier, chairman of the cooperative Board of Directors.

“The entire team of employees at Molalla Communications was given the challenge of identifying ways to operate more efficiently and to drive costs out of our system. The employees rose wonderfully to the challenge and the result of their efforts are these significant price reductions.”