FCC Sends Verizon Some Questions about Termination Fees and Web Access

The Federal Communications Commission has sent a letter to Verizon Wireless asking the company about recent press reports indicating that the carrier has 1) doubled the "early termination fee" (ETF) it charges new customers purchasing an "advanced device" if they disconnect service prior to completing the contract term and 2) charged customers for minimal, inadvertent use of Verizon's Mobile Web service.

The FCC has 9 questions for Verizon that it has requested the company reply to by December 17, 2009. What information about the higher ETF does Verizon Wireless provide to prospective customers, and when? How can customers learn about the formula for prorating the ETF? Are there any trial periods in which customers may discontinue service without being subject to the increased ETF? What is the rationale for the increase? Is the increase related to the wholesale price of "advanced devices" charged by equipment manufacturers? Why isn't the ETF prorated? Are month-to-month service plans available consumers purchasing "advanced devices"? When does Verizon Wireless charge usage fees for access to Verizon Mobile Web? Can a customer re-program keys that provide for one-press access to various Mobile Web services to disable that function?


FCC Sends Verizon Some Questions about Termination Fees and Web Access FCC Wants Answers On Early Termination Fees (TechDailyDose) FCC Wants to Know Why Verizon Increased Termination Fees (GigaOm)