Today, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Wheeler circulated proposals to protect consumers, promote competition, and preserve 911 access throughout the ongoing phone network transition. The proposals follow Public Knowledge’s continued efforts to ensure the transition leaves no one behind.
In May 2014, Public Knowledge, The Utility Reform Network, and several other consumer advocates asked the FCC to investigate and take action on nationwide consumer complaints of carriers upselling customers and failing to maintain their networks. In January 2014, Public Knowledge submitted a CTC Technology & Energy report detailing the metrics by which the Commission should evaluate the impact of any network transition on consumers, including call functionality, persistence, reliability, accessibility, and 911 access.
The following can be attributed to Jodie Griffin, Senior Staff Attorney at Public Knowledge:
“Public Knowledge commends Chairman Wheeler for taking steps to make good on the Commission’s promise to preserve universal access, public safety, consumer protection, and competition in the phone network. We are now in the midst of the transition, and the FCC cannot afford to lose any time in addressing the policy issues raised by new technologies and business practices.
“Public Knowledge is especially glad the FCC is seeking input on the metrics it should consider when a carrier wants to transition its network. Key issues like call functionality, reliability, accessibility, and public safety access cannot be left behind as we move into new technologies. The FCC is also right to seek further information and comment on the trend of consumer complaints reporting carriers neglecting their copper networks or upselling customers.
“Finally, these steps to protect competition in the network will also benefit consumers. Having meaningful and reliable choices among providers is tremendously important for consumers and small businesses alike.”
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.