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State Regulators: FCC Wireless Survey Proves Need for Reexamination of ETFs

WASHINGTON—The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners issued the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission released a survey detailing consumers’ experience with wireless “bill shock” and early termination fees:

“Despite the rapid and impressive growth of the wireless industry, this Federal Communications Commission survey makes clear that more needs to be done to ensure consumers get the protection and service they deserve. State public service commissioners long ago raised concerns about early termination fees and how they impact wireless customers. In fact, our Association called on the FCC to reexamine the rationale for permitting ETFs. This report proves that this must remain a top priority.

“In this tough economy, consumers must fully understand what they are paying for in their wireless service, particularly as more and more depend on their cellular phones.

“We appreciate the hard work that went into the FCC report and look forward to working with the wireless industry and our federal counterparts on this crucial consumer issue.”

--NARUC President David Coen of Vermont and NARUC Consumer Affairs Committee Chair Anne Boyle of Nebraska
 

NARUC is a non-profit organization founded in 1889 whose members include the governmental agencies that are engaged in the regulation of utilities and carriers in the fifty States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. NARUC's member agencies regulate telecommunications, energy, and water utilities. NARUC represents the interests of State public utility commissions before the three branches of the Federal government.