Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Washington, DC—The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today announced it is opening a public comment period on “bill shock”, or the experience consumers face when they receive an unexpectedly high texting, roaming or over-usage charge from a wireless carrier. Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, has long been a champion of more transparency in wireless billing statements.
Joel Kelsey, policy analyst for Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, made the following statement:
“This is a helpful first step down what we hope will be a much longer road to provide wireless consumers with relief and protection in the marketplace. When a consumer signs up for wireless service, they don’t expect to receive a monthly bill that can sometimes equal the cost of a used car,” said Kelsey.
“Wireless carriers should have to give notice to consumers when they are approaching their data, voice, or texting limits—similar to notifying credit card customers at the point-of-sale. We encourage the FCC to move quickly after the comment period to provide consumers with real relief, and to further address early termination fees, handset exclusivity, and wireless competition,”
Comments to the Public Notice are due 45 days after publication in the Federal Register; reply comments are due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Comments can also be filed via the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Media contact:
David Butler or Kristina Edmunson 202-462-6262
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