The FCC recently published a proposed rule that would amend the FCC's Truth-in-Billing rules that would require wireline telephone companies (i.e. wireline telecommunications common carriers) to notify subscribers clearly and conspicuously, at the point of sale, on each bill, and on their Web sites, of the option to block third-party charges from their telephone bills, if the company offers that option, and place charges from non-telephone company third-parties in a bill section separate from telephone company charges. The amended rules would require both wireline and wireless telephone companies to notify subscribers on all telephone bills and on their Web sites that subscribers may file complaints with the FCC, provide the FCC's contact information for the submission of complaints, and include on Web sites a link to the FCC's complaint Web page. The FCC stated that this action will enable subscribers to detect, rectify, and prevent placement of unauthorized charges on their telephone bills; a practice known as ''cramming.''
A copy of the proposed rule that was published in the Federal Register can be viewed here.
Comments to the proposed rule are due on or before October 24, 2011 and reply comments are due on or before November 21, 2011.
For more information on this topic see our prior blog which can be accessed here.