The FCC is looking out for your interests. They have sent a letter to Verizon, asking what the doubled early termination fee and phantom $1.99 for accessing Verizon Wireless's Mobile Web even when the button is tapped by mistake, is all about.
In a letter addressed to Verizon's Attorney, they wrote:
Recent press reports indicate that on November 15, 2009, Verizon Wireless
doubled the "early termination fee" (ETF) it charges new customers purchasing an
"advanced device" if they disconnect service prior to completing the contract term
1.Another recent press report has raised questions about whether consumers are being
charged for minimal, inadvertent use of Verizon's Mobile Web service, and what notice
is being provided to those consumers.
2. In light of the Commission's ongoing interest in
the issues associated with ETFs and its pending proceeding regarding disclosure of
billing information to consumers, we seek a more complete understanding of these
practices. "
They want to know the rationale for the increase in the ETF for an "advanced device." As well as when and how Verizon Wireless charges usage fees for access to Verizon Mobile
Web.
The phantom $1.99 fee was a multi-year mistake by Verizon. The glitch which was discovered by a Cleveland consumer beat reporter.