Jack Reed: “I would like to just briefly describe the problem and also the ongoing discussion with the FCC and also here within…”

“I would like to just briefly describe the problem and also the ongoing discussion with the FCC and also here within Congress. First, as both my colleagues have indicated, this is an alarming and growing problem. The Federal Communications Commission is dealing with the problem now. They will shortly propose a rule that will take away the financial incentive for some of these renegade companies who essentially illegally change service. Surprisingly, today under FCC rules, a renegade company can, in fact, illegally switch a customer and still get the benefits of that month or of several months of charges. The FCC has proposed to change this. This sense-of-the-Senate resolution supports that proposed rule change and the other activities the FCC is contemplating. One of the reasons we are here today is that, under the present rules of the FCC, telephone companies must get either a verbal or written response in terms of a formal request to change. The problem with respect to a written consent is that, many times, they are hidden in sweepstakes promotions, giveaways and, in fact, the nature of the written response is unknown to the consumer. Once again, the FCC is proposing to change this new rule. I support that change and encourage them to go forward.”