Click here for Adobe Acrobat version
 Click here for Microsoft Word version
 FCC NEWS

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
445 12th STREET S.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554

News media information 202/418-0500
TTY 202/418-2555
Fax-On-Demand 202/418-2830
Internet http://www.fcc.gov
ftp://ftp.fcc.gov
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission Action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 516 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 March 31, 2003
 NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
 John Winston (202) 418-7450



FCC FINES WEBNET $1,200,000 FOR SLAMMING VIOLATIONS

Washington, D.C. - Today the Federal Communications Commission released an order imposing a $1,200,000 forfeiture against WebNet Communications, Inc. for willful or repeated violations of the Communications Act and the Commission's rules against slamming. Slamming is the illegal practice of switching consumers' preferred long distance or other telephone service providers without their consent.

The Commission found that WebNet had engaged in a pattern of intentional and egregious misconduct, such as the gross deficiencies in WebNet's verification procedures, which demonstrated a disregard for the Commission's rules.

This proceeding represents the first joint federal/state effort against a company engaged in slamming. Fourteen state agencies joined the Commission in this investigation: Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin, along with the District of Columbia.

WebNet is a corporation with its principal place of business in McLean, Virginia.

Action by the Commission March 26, 2003, by Order of Forfeiture (FCC 03-67). Chairman Powell; Commissioners Abernathy, Copps, Martin, and Adelstein.

File No. EB-01-TC-064

Enforcement Bureau Contacts: John Winston at (202) 418-7450 or Lloyd Collier at (202) 418-2712.