WASHINGTON, D.C. - Reps. Greg Walden (R-OR) and Lee Terry (R-NE), the chairman and vice chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Communications and Technology Subcommittee, today welcomed news of an agreement reached by the Federal Communications Commission and the wireless industry to avert “bill shock" among wireless users. The agreement calls for carriers to alert consumers before they reach their wireless plan limits, giving them advance warning before they accrue additional charges. Notably, the agreement for an industry standard to improve disclosure to consumers comes through consultation with the FCC, but without any additional regulatory mandates. Walden and Terry issued the following statement:
“Today’s announcement is a win for American consumers, for America’s wireless companies, and for the Federal Communications Commission. Rather than adopt heavy-handed regulations that would hamper America’s job creators, the FCC and the wireless industry worked together to craft a result that protects consumers without costly mandates.
“The Energy and Commerce Committee is focused on reducing the regulatory burden on the companies that are driving America’s economy and supporting American jobs. Today’s announcement is a welcome step from the FCC toward a cooperative approach that benefits consumers while supporting the jobs and investment that the innovative U.S. wireless industry continues to bring in these tough economic times."
