FCC Asks Verizon to Explain Early Termination Fees

Filed in archive Mobile on December 4, 2009

© Photos8.com

The FCC has asked Verizon Wireless [PDF file] to explain its recent announcement of doubling of early termination fees from $175 to $350.

"The fee, which is almost double the existing amount, will apply to 'advanced devices,' likely including the new Motorola Droid smartphone, RIM BlackBerry Storm2 and HTC Droid Eris," writes ZDNet's Andrew Nusca. "The FCC is asking Verizon how its customers will be notified of the new ETF, how the formula is calculated for pro-rating customers who are well into their contracts, and what constitutes an 'advanced device.'"

"The move is yet another signal to the nation’s wireless companies that the FCC under the Obama administration is going to be far more involved," writes Wired's Ryan Singel. "Ruth Milkman, the chief of the Wireless Bureau, told Verizon that it was 'seeking a more complete understanding of these practices.'"

More here from Computerworld ... more here from Electronista ... and more here from PC World.