The board says caps on the rates will enable poor people and elderly customers to keep phone service.
The total monthly cost for basic residential service could rise from $18 to $27 over the next three years. Basic services for businesses with just one phone line could rise from about $26 to about $38 a month. Both totals include taxes and fees.
The Board of Public Utilities is also allowing slight increases in charges for service installation and for directory assistance.
