Chairman Rockefeller Issues Subpoena in Wireless Telephone Cramming Investigation

Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller (D-WV) issued a subpoena to Mobile Messenger, a telephone “billing aggregator”, that has failed to provide information to the Commerce Committee related to wireless “cramming”, a practice where unauthorized third-party chargers are placed on consumers’ telephone bills.

Chairman Rockefeller initially wrote Mobile Messenger in March 2013 and again in November 2013, but noted in a new letter yesterday that “major gaps” remain in the company’s response. This action continues the Committee’s investigation into how consumers have been affected by wireless cramming, and whether the wireless industry’s voluntary procedures and practices adequately protect consumers from this practice.

“I am deeply disappointed that, nearly one full year after my initial request, Mobile Messenger has failed to produce key responsive information,” said Chairman Rockefeller. “It is also troubling that the company for many months has refused to provide information the Committee requested concerning the cramming scheme alleged by the Texas Attorney General in a November 2013 action against the company.”