The wireless industry scored a victory yesterday when the California Public Utilities Commission voted to replace the existing bill of rights for telecom consumers with one far less stringent that depends on state enforcement. I like Techdirt Wireless' take on it: "No bill of rights for mobile users... but, uh... we'll investigate crappy service."
The wireless industry has long fought this mobile phone bill of rights that was passed in California in 2004. It was designed to protect consumers from misleading mobile operator practices such as when coverage maps don't jive with where customers want to use the service. Last year a new bill of rights was proposed that covered more than just wireless operators. Now, California regulators have bowed to the pressure, instituting a fraud division that will investigate any misleading claims made by operators. It's unfortunately a very bureaucratic way of protecting consumers that probably won't do anything to help them.
To read more about California's new telco regulations:
- check out this article from AP
- read this post from Techdirt Wireless