Today, the Federal Communications Commission, Federal Trade Commission and Fifty-One State Attorneys General announced that they have reached a $105 million dollar settlement with AT&T Mobility. The settlement follows allegations that AT&T billed customers millions of dollars in third-party subscriptions, including text messaging services, without customer consent. This practice, known as ‘cramming’, often leaves consumers on the hook to pay for unauthorized charges.
Public Knowledge applauds the FCC, Chairman Wheeler and the Federal Trade Commission for taking the necessary steps to defend consumer rights. Launching an investigation resulted in the largest enforcement action in FCC history while also reaffirming the FCC’s role in consumer protection, a vital function that should extend to new technologies.
The following can be attributed to Jodie Griffin, Senior Staff Attorney of Public Knowledge:
“Public Knowledge applauds the FCC, FTC and the Fifty-One State Attorneys General for stepping in to protect consumers from being charged for services they never asked for. Consumer protection remains a fundamental value in our communications networks even as new technologies are developed. As Chairwoman Ramirez noted, consumers benefit most when the FCC and FTC work together, whether in response to cramming allegations or in developing rules to ensure an open Internet.”
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.