FCC Calls For Consumer Friendly Wireless Bills, Advocates Claim Action Isn't Enough

Responding to petitions from consumer advocacy groups, the Federal Communications Commission expanded its rules Thursday to create more consumer-friendly wireless bills. Those consumer agencies, however, quickly found fault with the actions.

The government agency now requires "billing descriptions be brief, clear, non-misleading and in plain language". The Commission also stated that bills may be considered misleading if discretionary line items are combined with tax or government-mandated fees. Finally, the agency is requesting comment on the distinction between government-mandated and other charges and whether those charges should appear in a different section of the bill.

In a statement issued after the FCC's action, Chairman Michael K. Powell said, "Wireless consumers deserve accurate, meaningful billing information in a format they can understand."

At least one consumer group, the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates, found fault with the FCC's actions. "This is a lose-lose for America's consumers," said David Bergmann of the Office of the Ohio's Consumer Council and chairman of the organization.

His statements were echoed by many other advocates, including Janee Briesemeister of Consumers Union, who claimed more than 18,000 consumers had commented on the issue and said, "No matter how the agency spins this decision -- it is anti-consumer."

Consumer groups had lobbied the FCC to ban charges that falsely implied they were made due to government regulations. The groups said that these fees are typically excluded when wireless companies advertise and promote their price plans.

posted by Consumer Help Web Editorial Team at 6:50 PM |