1919 - M Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
ftp.fcc.gov
October 21, 1998
COMMON CARRIER BUREAU ANNOUNCES AGENDA FOR FORUM ADDRESSING TRUTH-IN-BILLING
| Date: | Friday, October 23, 1998 |
| Location: | Commission Meeting Room Federal Communications Commission 1919 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20554 |
| Time: | 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. |
The Common Carrier Bureau will host a public forum to discuss how to make telephone bills more readable and understandable to enable consumers to make informed choices about telecommunications services and to protect themselves against telecommunications-related fraud. The forum is part of an ongoing Commission proceeding regarding the provision of information in telephone bills to consumers. The Commission initiated this proceeding with its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding Truth-in-Billing and Billing Format.
Forum participants will include industry members, the Federal Trade Commission, State Commissions and State Attorneys General, and consumer advocacy groups. The participants will discuss several issues raised in the Commission's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, such as: (1) organizing consumer bills; (2) alerting consumers to changes in their bills; (3) including full and non-misleading descriptions on bills; (4) providing consumers with the information necessary to resolve billing disputes; and (5) informing consumers about line item charges. Using an open discussion format, the Commission anticipates that participants will proffer concrete and workable proposals to advance consumer understanding of telephone bills.
The Forum is open to the public and seating will be available on a first come, first served basis.
For additional information contact: Toni Simmons at (202) 418-0979.