Proposed legislation could kill regulation of landline and wireless phone services
Look out! Over UCAN's protests, a State Senate committee just voted unanimously for a bill that will strip the California Public Utilities Commission of the power to regulate phone companies. If passed, Senate Bill 1161 will also jeopardize landline phone service and telecommunications programs that aid low-income and hearing-disabled persons.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the bill's author, Senator Alex Padilla, has received significant campaign contributions from AT&T and other telecom interests. More.
UCAN services
UCAN's Fraud Squad is currently offering a full range of service to our members and San Diego residents. At this time, the Fraud Squad can still assist you with a dispute with SDG&E, City of San Diego water department, and San Diego telecom companies. Feel free to fill out our online complaint form and we will contact you if we can assist with your issue.
Another Strike for “ROBOCALLS”
FCC ADOPTS RULES TO STRENGTHEN CONSUMER PROTECTIONS AGAINST UNWANTED TELEMARKETING “ROBOCALLS” TO WIRELINE AND WIRELESS PHONES
Caller ID Problems - Thanks to the FCC, no longer as scary as a ghost
Spoof? I AIN'T AFRAID OF NO GHOST! Oh, you said spoof, not spook. As in caller ID spoofing? Well, I guess I had been afraid of spoofing in the past. But with the new enforcement rules laid down by the FCC, spoofing isn't as scary as it used to be. Read more after the jump.
How well does your phone hold up in an emergency?
Our recent blackout has brought to light how much of our communication relies on our personal power systems. Some UCAN members that thought their phones would suffice during a blackout found themselves without a dial tone. Let’s rate your blackout communication options and examine how they are affected by a blackout:
Dragging your bill through the MUC - AT&T's new Minimum Usage Charge on long distance accounts
Don't you just love it when companies charge you for absolutely nothing? No service provided, no goods consumed.Nada. Zip. Zilch. Well, that's what AT&T is doing to its long distance customers with something called a Minimum Usage Charge.
FCC proposes new rules to reducing cramming
Cramming on phone bills is nothing new, but the FCC is finally beginning to crack down on telecommunication companies for the practice.
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Regulators are going to the Dark Side
Two prominent "regulators" have gone to work for Comcast - the same company they were supposed to be policing. The issue raises serious questions about the credibility and impartiality of the politically appointed bureaucrats that are supposed to be representing you in regulatory hearings. Full story.
Three UCAN divisions will protest AT&T T-Mobile merger
AT&T and T-Mobile are planning to merge. Not only is UCAN troubled, but so are two other affiliated UCAN projects. More.
Cramming Requirement Revisions in California
The CPUC is considering revising the rules regarding reporting of unauthorized charges for telecommunications services. Learn about the proposed changes as well as UCAN's position and legal filings on the issue.
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