FCC Announces Rechartering of the Consumer Advisory Committee

FCC ANNOUNCES THE RECHARTERING OF THE CONSUMER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]
The FCC established the Consumer Advisory Committee in November 2000 for the purpose of making recommendations regarding consumer issues within the jurisdiction of the Commission and to facilitate the participation of consumers (including people with disabilities and underserved populations, such as American Indians and persons living in rural areas) in proceedings before the Commission. The Committee was renewed for a 3rd two-year term on November 17, 2006. On June 8, 2007, the FCC announced the re-chartering and appointed the new committee. A principal focus of the Committee will be the digital television transition as the Commission continues its efforts to assist consumers in understanding and preparing for the transition which, by law, must be completed by February 17, 2009. . In addition to digital television, other topics to be addressed by the Committee will include, but are not limited to, the following areas: Consumer protection and education (e.g., cramming, slamming, consumer friendly billing, detariffing, bundling of services, Lifeline/Linkup programs, customer service, privacy, telemarketing abuses, and outreach to underserved populations, such as Native Americans and persons living in rural areas); Access by people with disabilities (e.g., telecommunications relay services, video description, closed captioning, accessible billing and access to telecommunications products and services); Impact upon consumers of new and emerging technologies (e.g., availability of broadband, digital television, cable, satellite, low power FM, and the convergence of these and emerging technologies).
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-07-2426A1.doc