Wireless Communications - State Legislative Overview

Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee
NCSL 2005 Annual Meeting -- Seattle, Washington
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
10:15 AM – Noon

State Legislative Overview

The total number of cellular telephone subscribers in America now exceeds 180 million. In 2004 Americans used more than 1 trillion wireless minutes. The convenience of the cell phones allows consumers to communicate how they want, when they want and where they want. However, difficulties for consumers in understanding contract terms and in service quality prompted several states to consider cell phone consumer protection measures in 2005. Kentucky, Louisiana and Nebraska enacted consumer protection laws prior to 2005.

The California State Assembly recently considered S.B. 1068. The measure requires the California Public Service Commission to develop and enforce consumer protection rules for telecommunications services including mobile telephone services. Connecticut lawmakers considered two bills (H.B. 6034, S.B. 81) that attempt to protect consumers from confusing and misleading contract terms in wireless telephone contracts. Massachusetts lawmakers considered establishing a cellular telephone users’ bill of rights (H.B. 3331, S.B. 1790). New York lawmakers proposed a measure (A.B. 3906) that establishes rights of users who misplace or have stolen their cellular telephones and whose telephones malfunction or become defective. And, an Oregon measure (H.B. 3136) establishes a bill of rights for telecommunications consumers.

For additional information on state legislation related to wireless telecommunications, please contact Bob Boerner at NCSL, 303-364-7700, Bob.Boerner@ncsl.org