Cell fee talks anger key official

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1208&u_sid=10340401

Published Wednesday May 21, 2008
Cell fee talks anger key official
BY CHET MULLIN
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Nebraska Public Service Commissioner Anne Boyle said she was "livid" when she learned today that the government is quietly negotiating with wireless companies to ease expensive early-termination fees.

Boyle said, "It's an outrage that the wireless companies and FCC (Federal Communications Commission) are meeting quietly behind closed doors without meeting with consumer groups, or with groups who are elected to advocate for consumers."

She said she was "stunned that the FCC would do something that flies in the face of the public interest."

In exchange for the government's approval of the fee changes, cell phone companies would be let off the hook in state courts where they are being sued for billions of dollars by customers.

If approved by the FCC, the proposal also would take away states' authority to regulate the charges, known as early termination fees.

Cell phone companies currently charge customers $175 or more for quitting their service early. The Associated Press reported that under a proposal to the FCC, the wireless industry would give consumers the opportunity to cancel service without any penalty for up to 30 days after they sign a phone contract or until 10 days after they receive their first bill.


FULL story at link.