On August 28, 2009, the FCC issued a Notice of Inquiry on whether there are additional opportunities to protect and empower American consumers by ensuring sufficient access to meaningful information about communications services. The services included wireline and wireless telephone, broadband and subscription video services (TV provided by cable, satellite, and phone companies).

The FCC’s approach to information disclosure issues has traditionally focused on the formatting of consumer’s telephone bills. The Notice went beyond that and asked questions about the information available to consumers at each stage of the purchasing process for a variety of communications services including: (1) choosing a provider, (2) choosing a service plan, (3) managing use of the service plan, and (4) deciding whether and when to switch an existing provider or plan for all communications services. With respect to all the issues discussed in the Notice, we sought comment on whether consumers with disabilities are being well served by the information about communications services that is currently available to them, and the manner it is being provided to them. 

8/27/09
FCC Seeks Comment on Additional Opportunities to Protect and Empower Consumers in Communications Marketplace.
News Release: Word | Acrobat
NOI: Word | Acrobat
Presentation: Acrobat
Genachowski Statement: Word | Acrobat
Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
McDowell Statement: Word | Acrobat
Clyburn Statement: Word | Acrobat
Baker Statement: Word | Acrobat

Consumer Advisory:  FCC Asks Questions About Providing More Information