Dear Commissioners:
Stop hidden phone fees so I can truly compare prices of
phone services. I support the petition filed by the
National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates
and endorsed by other consumer advocacy organizations. CG
Docket No. 04-208, Petition for Declaratory Ruling
Regarding Truth-In-Billing and Billing Format, is long
overdue.
Because this practice is tolerated by the FCC, long
distance and wireless phone companies are able to hide the
true cost of service. These add-ons make the advertised
price of service significantly less than the amount of the
check I have to write each month to pay the bill.
Competition will not work if consumers cannot accurately
compare prices when shopping for service.
Many states are stepping up to address this problem. They
should be allowed to proceed. However, the FCC shouldn't
shirk its responsibility, nor limit states from doing more.
The FCC should immediately grant the NASUCA petition to
investigate billing practices, and prohibit phone and
wireless companies from imposing separate monthly fees,
line items or surcharges unless expressly mandated by law
or the charge is expressly authorized by a governmental
authority.