Anderson Weighs In On Wireless Early Termination Fee Issue

Attorney Daniel Anderson weighed in today on the early termination fee issue currently under consideration by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In a letter to FCC Chairman, Kevin J. Martin, Anderson urged the FCC to adopt rules that protect consumers against early termination fees imposed by so-called "family plans" offered by wireless carriers. Anderson recounted his own experience as a consumer as an example of the difficult choice faced by millions of consumers each year. Anderson likened the practices of wireless providers to insurance companies that offer insurance policies at below market rates in order to lock consumers into a particular company. Anderson said this practice should be stopped, and asked the FCC to "consider the collateral effect on family members that participate in some version of a plan involving two or more cellular telephones, each of which are subject to different contractual obligations."

The FCC held hearings on this issue on June 12, 2008, and Anderson said he expects the FCC will take action on this issue in the very near future. Anderson said he intends his letter to add additional support for FCC rules that provide for the elimination or significant reduction of early termination fees being paid by millions of consumers each year. The Anderson Law Firm does not represent any specific client on this issue, nor is it being compensated for its efforts to help consumers. Anderson said that he sent the letter because he believes attorneys have a duty to speak out on important issues that affect American citizens "and this is one of those issues."