Verizon Drops Distribution of White Pages in Pa.

Verizon will stop delivering residential White Pages in Pennsylvania next year

Verizon will stop delivering residential White Pages in Pennsylvania next year, a cost-saving and environmentally friendly move that acknowledges more people are going online to track down phone numbers.

The state Public Utility Commission on Thursday approved Verizon's plan to stop delivering the residential phone books, unless a customer specifically requests one.

The change, which takes effect Jan. 1, will save about 2,200 tons of low-grade paper, spokesman Lee Gierczynski said. Verizon had distributed about 12 million books in the state each year.

The telecommunications company cited a 2008 Gallup poll showing that only 11 percent of households reported looking up a residential phone number in the printed book.

Verizon will still make the White Pages available online at its website and on compact disc. Customers will also continue to receive business yellow pages with consumer guides and the government listing blue pages.

Verizon also plans to stop delivering White Pages in New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Florida.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports delivery of phone books began in Pennsylvania in 1903.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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