CommLaw Monitor

News and analysis from Kelley Drye’s communications practice group

FCC Enforcement Bureau Settles with CenturyLink Over Alleged Unauthorized Third-Party Charges

On August 13, 2019, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau announced that it settled a nearly three-year long investigation into whether CenturyLink included unauthorized charges from third-party service providers on customer…

July 2017 FCC Meeting Recap: FCC Plans to Strengthen and Expand “Slamming” and “Cramming” Rules

At its July 2017 Open Meeting, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) designed to strengthen and expand consumer protections against “slamming” and “cramming.”…

Interesting FCC Enforcement Actions — February 2016 Edition

It’s no secret that one of the majo r stories in the last two years has been the increased activism of the Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC”) Enforcement Bureau (“Bureau”). February 2016 was no exception in…

FCC Proposes $5.2 Million Forfeiture for Cramming, Slamming and Billing Violations

For the second consecutive year, the FCC has increased the fines it proposes for slamming and related violations. On January 24, 2014, the FCC proposed to fine U.S. Telecom Long Distance, Inc. (USTLD) over $5 million…

FCC Wades Back Into Cramming Issue

In a move that appears aimed to maximize options for new Chairman Tom Wheeler when he assumes office, the FCC turned its attention again to its rules to address unauthorized charges on telephone bills, known…