AT&T rates skyrocket since deregulation Then-Commissioner Rachelle Chong, a Republican, credited as the driving force behind the deregulation plan, argued that growing competition from Internet phone service and cell phones would keep prices low. Too bad it didn't work out that way. Since fall 2006, AT&T's price for flat-rate landline phone service has leaped 115 percent, from $10.69 per month to $23, according to information from the commission. Californians have a variety of choices for telephone service including wireless and (Internet calling), but AT&T wireline service remains ... Read More