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‘Consumers must be protected from unfair telco billing practices’
As a result of consumer complaints expressed to his office, Sen. Sixto Igisomar (R-Saipan) has pre-filed a bill to regulate the billing practices of telecommunications companies.
Senate Bill 19-93 finds that these billing practices must be regulated so that consumers will be protected by “prohibiting unfair and deceptive practices” and establishing minimum standard for billing, late fees, and disconnection.
“This bill is essential to protecting our constituents who work hard for their money,” Igisomar said in an email. “We have to ensure that consumers are provided a clear understanding, both by representatives of the firms they are doing business with, but more importantly in writing, which the laymen can easily understand.”
“There needs to be clear and concise communication as to service billing, billing cycles, steps for dispute resolution, and appeals process, including clear time frames as to each step.
“As our economy continues to expand, it is essential that policies are put in place to ensure fair business practices that protect consumers to the greatest extent possible,” he added.
“My office has been working alongside the Attorney General’s Office to develop a comprehensive bill that meets this intent.”
The Senate bill, among others, mandates a “consumer bill of rights.”
It says telecommunications consumers have the right to accurate and understandable bills and to mechanisms for resolving disputes and correcting errors; the right to be charged only according to the rates and terms and conditions to which they have agreed; the right to reasonable payment terms; the right to fair treatment, the right to reasonable compensation for poor service quality and service interruptions, and the right to be free of improper discriminations in prices, terms, conditions, or offers, among other several other rights.
The mandates set forth by the bill may be enforced by the Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission, the consumer counsel, or any affected customers.
