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In the Works: Wireless Bill of Rights

States fight feds over who will regulate

By Laila Weir,  Newser User

Posted Mar 21, 2008 3:33 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Wireless carriers seem to have angered a few too many consumers with hidden fees and surprise charges. Politicians in 22 states are considering various versions of a wireless consumers’ bill of rights, reports BusinessWeek. But the wireless industry, daunted at facing different regulations in every state, is throwing its weight behind a federal bill and opposing the state measures.

The national bill has a reasonable shot at passing by July 4, according to congressional staffers, but would block states from making their own regulations. That’s something some states are loath to give up, out of fears the federal law will fall short. Minnesota may vote on its own bill in the next 2 weeks.

A cell phone displays a demonstration of go2 Media's efforts to deliver advertising and content targeted to the interest and location of the user at go2 Media's office in Boston, Friday, Dec. 28, 2007.
A cell phone displays a demonstration of go2 Media's efforts to deliver advertising and content targeted to the interest and location of the user at go2 Media's office in Boston, Friday, Dec. 28, 2007....   (AP Photo/Josh Reynolds)
Cellphone users like Sandy Miller, 72, of Randolph, Mass., and her grandson Scott Seigal, 18, could get new consumer protections under a wireless bill of rights.
Cellphone users like Sandy Miller, 72, of Randolph, Mass., and her grandson Scott Seigal, 18, could get new consumer protections under a wireless bill of rights.   (AP Photo/Lisa Poole)
A Motorola Razr cell phone is seen at a consumer electronics store, in this Friday, Jan. 19, 2007, file photo in Gloucester, Mass.
A Motorola Razr cell phone is seen at a consumer electronics store, in this Friday, Jan. 19, 2007, file photo in Gloucester, Mass.   (AP Photo/Lisa Poole, File)
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Congress • cell phones • legislation • Minnesota • consumer protection • lobbying • cell phone industry • state legislature • wireless industry • consumer advocacy

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