Congress Wants More Info on Traffic Pumping Schemes

House Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Subcommittee Chairmen Rick Boucher (D-VA) and Bart Stupak (D-MI) sent letters Tuesday to 24 telecommunications companies to assist the Committee in its ongoing review of access charges and so-called "traffic pumping schemes." The Committee is seeking additional information concerning allegations that the existing access charge regime may create incentives for companies to charge excessive rates for completing calls. the letters ask for the additional information by March 8, 2010.