The FCC Doesn’t Agree with Verizon Wireless’ ETF Response [Early Termination Fees Explanations Not Good Enough for the FCC]

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We have closely followed the conversation between the FCC and Verizon regarding some of the carrier’s latest decisions including the already famous increased early termination fee for advanced devices. Verizon responded to all the questions asked by the FCC last week but that doesn’t mean the latter one has to agree with all those answers.

Therefore the FCC has issued a fast one-page response in which it basically says that the reasons behind the doubled ETFs for advanced devices are “unsatisfying and in some cases troubling.” The FCC was not aware that Verizon has included in those ETFs not only the cost of those advanced devices itself but also operating and costs. Such practices aren’t approved by the FCC and Verizon can expect more problems coming its way from the FCC.

It seems to me that the FCC’s response was written in a hurry. Maybe FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn wanted to make her point regarding Verizon’s practices as fast as possible. A more detailed response from the Commission is expected next year when Clyburn will take this ETF issue to her colleagues.

The commissioner is also displeased with other issues found in the practices of Verizon:

I am also alarmed by the fact that many consumers have been charged phantom fees for inadvertently pressing a key on their phones thereby launching Verizon Wireless’s mobile Internet service. The company asserted in its response to the Bureau that it ‘does not charge users when the browser is launched,’ but recent press reports and consumer complaints strongly suggest otherwise.

We’ll be looking forward to see what the FCC decides to do about Verizon’s ETF and other issues. As commissioner Clyburn puts it, “wireless companies can truly earn their long-term commitments from consumers by focusing primarily on developing innovative products, maintaining affordable prices, and providing excellent customer service.”

Hear that, Verizon? Are you ready to do all that for your customers?