California's cellphone users' Bill of Rights is dead

That cellphone users' "Bill of Rights" the California Public Utility Commission approved back in May? Yeah, they're not doing that any more. This past Thursday the Commission voted 3 to 1 to "suspend" the Telecommunications Consumer Bill of Rights, which gave subscribers 30 days to cancel their contract after signing up, required that rates be spelled out more clearly, and that carriers couldn't try to play off recovery fees (like for number portability) as mandatory government taxes. Why the turnaround? The addition of new, more industry-friendly commissioners appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger, who opposed the rules from day one.

[Via TechDirt]

[Ben @ Dec 19th 2005 12:09AM]

I'm so glad Republicans like him are in office to protect us consumers from big government. Another unnecessary regulation averted, thanks to the Governator!

[gorkon @ Dec 19th 2005 12:09AM]

IN Ohio, ANY contract you sign you can back out on in 30 days. Cell Phones included.

[Seni0r @ Dec 19th 2005 12:09AM]

I guess they'll just have to *do their research before they sign the contract*

OMG, Run for the hills!!!

[Joey Geraci @ Dec 19th 2005 12:09AM]

that is the most short-sighted, conservative comment that I have seen in a while. Even if you say that it is consumer's responsibility to review the terms of any contract that they sign, there are no drawbacks to this legislation for the consumer, and all the industry can say to go against it is that it will cost them a little money. Big deal.

[Johannes @ Dec 19th 2005 12:09AM]

That's not good. Corporate suckups...

[Rick @ Dec 19th 2005 12:09AM]

Hey Seni0r Fukface: Hey am I supposed to do research in advance to determine if I get good reception from my cell carrier and cell phone in my apartment and office building? Ask everyone if they have a particular combination of cell phone and provider? A 30-day policy to return is an obvious help to the consumer.

[slyrobber @ Dec 19th 2005 12:09AM]

OK everybody after Herr Arnold changes another one of those liberal, pesky, un-American and so antibusiness laws, the United States Constitution no less, he will continue to be the embodiment of the Fascist neo-con's "Mein Kamfpital" plan of making HIM the next Republican presidents for life (or is that DEATH). Raise your right hands all together now ....Heil..........aneger.

TODAY THE CELLS !!!!!!!!! TOMORROW ZE VORLD" Zeig...........