ConsumerAffairs.Com Telecom News http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news_index/telecom.html Telecom scams, lawsuits, prosecutions, company info and warnings from ConsumerAffairs.Com en-us Copyright 2004 ConsumerAffairs.Com info@consumeraffairs.com (Truman Lewis) jhood@consumeraffairs.com (Jim Hood) http://backend.userland.com/rss FCC Finally Begins to Tackle Big Agenda http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/07/dtv_delay18.html National broadband plan, DTV transition cleanup first on list Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:30:02 GMT FTC Says Calling Card Distributor Shortchanged Consumers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/07/ftc_calling_card.html Tests showed cards had fewer minutes than advertised. Wed, 1 Ju1 2009 13:30:02 GMT Sprint Text Messaging Tax Suit Dropped http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/sprint_text_suit.html Alleged improper taxes for users of network cards Wed, 1 Ju1 2009 01:20:02 GMT Snapple Lawsuit To Be Reinstated http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/chinese_drywall06.html Alleges drink's claims of "all-natural" are deceptive. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:45:02 GMT Obama Nominates Bush Official to Fill FCC Seat http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/dtv_delay16.html Appointee oversaw controversial DTV coupon program Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:25:02 GMT Wireless Carriers Agree to $1.5 Million Settlement http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/wireless_cramming.html Some Florida subscribers to get refunds Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:30:02 GMT 70 Percent of Spam Comes From China http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/china_spam.html Domains are dirt cheap in China Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:59:02 GMT Feds Offer DTV Reception Advice http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/dtv_delay15.html Some tweaking may be necessary Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:55:02 GMT TJ Maxx Settles Data Breach Charges http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/tjx_settlement.html Company will pay $9.75 million to 41 states Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:25:02 GMT "Clear" Registered Travel Program Goes Dark http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/tsa_clear_shutdown.html Company abruptly shuts off service for frequent flyers Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:50:02 GMT Online "Treasure Hunt" Can Be Costly http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/google_treasure.html Not affiliated with Google Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:05:02 GMT Unwelcome "Cell" Text Violated Federal Communications Laws http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/texting_lawsuit.html Verdict a blow to texting telemarketers Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:45:02 GMT Apple Sells One Millionth iPhone 3GS http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/iphone_3gs.html Sales pace equals last year's 3G Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:45:02 GMT New Bill Gives FTC Veto Power Over Broadband Caps http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/tw_meters_expansion06.html Agency would oversee any attempt to shift to usage-based plans. Thu, 17 Jun 2009 14:01:02 GMT Senate Committee Investigates Cell Phone Contracts http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/congress_mobile02.html Hearings held on exclusivity in mobile market. Thu, 17 Jun 2009 14:00:01 GMT ATT Relents on iPhone Upgrade Pricing--Sort Of http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/iphone_att02.html Company will allow upgrades for users nearing end of contracts Thu, 17 Jun 2009 01:05:01 GMT Senate Committee To Investigate Cell Phone Contracts http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/congress_mobile.html Hearing to be held on exclusivity in mobile market Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:05:01 GMT Is Mobile Banking Safe? http://www.bankrate.com/caf/news/chk/20090612-is-mobile-banking-safe-1.asp Banking by cell phone is gaining popularity. Here's what you need to know to be secure. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:30:01 GMT Recording Industry Faces Class Action http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/riaa_lawsuit.html Defendant in previous trial wants referendum on legal tactics Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:20:01 GMT TV Switcheroo Leaves Millions with No Free TV http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/dtv_delay14.html Signals disappear as broadcasters move to new frequency band. Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:35:01 GMT T-Mobile: No Hacking in Data Breach http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/tmobile_breach02.html Company downplays appearance of stolen info Sun, 14 Jun 2009 04:35:01 GMT DTV Transition Largely Smooth on First Day http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/dtv_delay13.html FCC flooded with calls, but claims no major disruptions Sun, 14 Jun 2009 04:35:01 GMT Is Mobile Banking Safe? http://www.bankrate.com/caf/news/car-advice/20090612-DFD-buying-from-new-GM-a1.asp Banking by cell phone is gaining popularity. Here's what you need to know to be secure. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 22:45:01 GMT Match.Com Hit With Class Action Lawsuit http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/match_lawsuit.html Suit claims non-existent, expired profiles are fraudulent Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:09:01 GMT T-Mobile Confirms Data Breach http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/tmobile_breach.html Hacker accessed records, company claims no data is at risk Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:51:01 GMT Computer-Related Injuries Rising http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/computer_injuries.html Physical harm from sharp equipment studied Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:30:01 GMT iPhone Users Bristle At ATT Upgrade Policy http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/iphone_att.html Confusing price structure has fans in revolt Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:04:01 GMT Countdown to D-Day for DTV http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/06/dtv_delay12.html Nation gears up for final transition away from analog broadcasts Mon, 8 Jun 20:50:10 Obama Promises Support for Cybersecurity, Net Neutrality http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/tw_meters_expansion05.html Advocates appointment of "cyber czar," increased funding and education Sun, 31 May 2009 06:20:00 Time Warner Cable Changes Contracts To Favor Bandwith Caps http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/tw_meters_expansion05.html Agreements quietly updated to allow throttling of service Sun, 31 May 2009 04:25:00 Court Rules Lawsuit Against ATT and Cingular Can Proceed http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/home_sales_april.html Customers allege poor service during buyout Fri, 29 May 2009 18:15:10 FCC's Help Line Mobbed During DTV "Soft Test" http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/dtv_delay11.html 55,000 calls across major media markets on one day Fri, 29 May 2009 18:15:10 Taxpayers Assume Circuit City Retirement Plan http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/hidden_health_tax.html National pension insurer takes on liability after retailer bankruptcy Thu, 28 May 2009 22:59:10 Court Rules Lawsuit Against AT&T/Cingular Can Proceed http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/home_sales_april.html Customers allege poor service during buyout Wed, 27 May 2009 23:15:10 Consumers Increasingly Concerned About Online Transactions http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/online_concern.html New survey indicates 85 percent of respondents worry about shopping or banking online Tue, 26 May 2009 01:50:10 Systemax Buys Circuit City Name, Web Site http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/circuit_city4.html No retail locations planned but name will survive online. Tue, 26 May 2009 21:55:10 California Petitions Supreme Court To Enforce Video Game Law http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/ca_video_violence.html Sales of violent games to minors should be prohibited, Brown argues Fri, 22 May 2009 19:15:10 GMT Craigslist CEO Sues South Carolina Attorney General http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/craigslist_ags02.html Henry McMaster's threats violated federal law and the Constitution, suit argues Thu, 21 May 2009 19:30:10 GMT "Soft Tests" Conducted for DTV Transition Readiness http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/dtv_delay10.html Experiment simulates switch from analog to digital signals Thu, 21 May 2009 19:25:10 GMT Craigslist CEO, South Carolina AG Trade Potshots Over Erotic Ads http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/craigslist_ags.html Attorney General promises to prosecute over charges of sex trafficking, porn Mon, 18 May 2009 23:55:10 GMT Craigslist Shuts Down "Erotic Services" Ads http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/shutdown_craigslist.html Pressure from Attorney Generals leads to revamp, more scrutiny Thu, 14 May 2009 01:22:10 GMT Digital TV Switch Less Than One Month Away http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/dtv_delay09.html Government pushes outreach to communities lagging in DTV readiness Wed, 13 May 2009 22:22:10 GMT Lawsuit Alleges Apple Power Adapters Are Faulty http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/mac_adapters.html Second suit alleging negligent design. Wed, 7 May 2009 15:00:59 GMT States Turn Up Heat on Craigslist Sex Postings http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/ct_craigslist.html South Carolina threatens criminal prosecution of CEO Buckmaster. Wed, 6 May 2009 15:05:59 GMT Congress To Consider Legalizing Online Gambling http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/internet_gamble02.html Frank wants 2006 ban amendment overturned Wed, 6 May 2009 01:01:59 GMT Consumer Reports: 20 Percent of Online Shoppers Are Cybercrime Victims http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/cr_internet_safety.html Even in recession, business is booming for cybercrooks Tue, 5 May 2009 22:42:59 GMT Apple Said to Be in Talks with Verizon over iPhone http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/04/iphone_exclusive02.html Rumors persist despite denials from Apple, AT&T Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:09:59 GMT Telephone Industry Still Lacks Significant Competition http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/04/att_anniversary.html 25 years after AT&T breakup, competition comes from wireless, VoIP. Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:30:59 GMT Time Warner Cable Backs Down On Bandwith Caps http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/04/tw_meters_expansion04.html Company halts trials of "metered broadband" after negative publicity blitz Thu, 16 Apr 2009 22:39:59 GMT AT&T Looks to Extend iPhone Exclusivity http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/04/iphone_exclusive.html Company profits nicely from phone's massive popularity Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:09:59 GMT Time Warner: Metered Broadband Will Prevent "Internet Brownouts" http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/04/tw_meters_expansion03.html Chief operating officer reveals details of tiered pricing plans Fri, 9 Apr 2009 01:05:59 GMT FCC Launches National Broadband Internet Plan http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/04/fp_fcc_broadband.html Agency will coordinate stimulus money for nationwide Web access Wed, 8 Apr 2009 18:20:59 GMT Time Warner Doubles Down on Metered Broadband Plans http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/04/tw_meters_expansion02.html Company faces heavy criticism but insists plan is necessary Wed, 8 Apr 2009 01:25:59 GMT FCC Pressed To Defend Wireless Open Internet http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/04/fp_fcc_wireless.html AT&T, T-Mobile accused of cutting services, blocking applications Sat, 4 Apr 2009 01:05:59 GMT eHarmony Faces New Lawsuits for "Separate But Equal" Policy http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/04/congress_tobacco_fda02.html Dating site accused of segregating same-sex dating partners Fri, 3 Apr 2009 01:09:59 GMT Time Warner Expands Metered Broadband Billing http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/04/gmac_lending.html Realtors' report shows increase in contracts signed for February Wed, 1 Apr 2009 22:45:59 GMT Feds, States Sue Dish Network http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/03/dish_suit.html Telemarketers violated Do Not Call rules, suits charge. Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:25:59 GMT Digital Converter Box Program Vows to Replace Expired Coupons http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/03/dtv_delay08.html Feds claim program is back on track after multiple stumbles. Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:20:59 GMT Will Readers Pay For Online News? http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/03/readers_online.html Would you be willing to pay for something you can now get for free? A lot of people are. Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:55:59 GMT Recession Has Consumers Thinking Of Hanging Up Cell Phones http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/03/recession_cellphones.html Sagging economy has users dropping service, choosing prepaid Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:55:59 GMT New Jersey Sues Verizon Over Deceptive FiOS Marketing http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/03/nj_fios_complaints.html State alleges telecom failed to live up to bargain promises Thu, 19 Mar 2009 18:19:00 GMT CD Sales Decline, Downloads Rise in 2008 http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/03/downloads.html 8 million more purchases of digital music in previous year Wed, 18 Mar 2009 22:20:00 GMT Microsoft "Vista Capable" Lawsuit Returns http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/03/windows_class_action03.html Plaintiffs try for narrower approach in second try Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:59:00 GMT New Jersey Calls 'Time Out' On Prepaid Calling Cards http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/03/nj_calling_cards.html Seven companies told that every second counts. Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:00:00 GMT Government Reveals First Steps For Broadband Plans http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/03/broadband_spending.html Details remain scarce as agencies emphasize public comment Wed, 11 Mar 2009 23:22:00 GMT Social Networks & Blogs Fastest-Growing Online Activity http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/03/social_media.html "Member communities" evolving into integral online experience Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:45:00 GMT Online Tools Help Spot Financial Fraud http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/03/financial_data.html "Meters" help investors gauge trustworthiness of potential buys Mon, 9 Mar 2009 18:50:00 GMT Using A Cellphone? Make Sure to Stand Still http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/03/cellphones_motion.html More studies claim cell use causes traffic, foot accidents Mon, 9 Mar 2009 17:45:00 GMT DTV Coupon Program Back On Track http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/03/dtv_delay07.html Government promises to clear backlog of requests Fri, 6 Mar 2009 23:45:00 GMT Net Neutrality Advocate Tapped As FCC Head http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/03/genachowski_fcc.html Genachowski expected to support Internet openness Wed, 4 Mar 2009 18:40:00 GMT FCC Greenlights Some-But Not All-DTV Broadcasts http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/02/dtv_delay06.html Stations must ensure public access channels are available Sun, 15 Feb 2009 20:55:00 GMT FCC's Adelstein: DTV Transition "Not Ready For Prime Time" http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/02/dtv_delay05.html Commissioner urges quick action even with reset deadline Tue, 10 Feb 2009 03:20:00 GMT 1 Million XBox Users Getting Netflix http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/02/netflix_xbox.html Video rental giant thrives in down economy Fri, 6 Feb 2009 17:20:00 GMT Changing Signals on Digital TV Transition http://www.bankrate.com/news04/2009/01/dtv_delay03.html House fails to go along with Senate in delaying Feb. 17 deadline. Thu, 29 Jan 2009 02:15:00 GMT Feds Withhold Cell Phone Safety Data, Suit Charges http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/12/pubcit_cellphone_traffic.html Government hides stats on cell-phone traffic deaths. Wed, 3 Dec 2008 01:30:00 GMT Cell Phone Conversations Distract Drivers, Study Finds http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/12/cellphone_distractions.html Research indicates that phone chats are more dangerous than talking to friends in car Mon, 1 Dec 2008 16:55:00 GMT Dell Introduces "White Spaces" Capable Laptops http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/11/dell_white_spaces.html Broadcasters say more power is needed to make frequencies usable Thu, 6 Nov 2008 05:37:00 GMT FCC Votes to Open "White Spaces" for Use http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/11/fcc_white_spaces.html Unlicensed spectrum could power new Internet devices Tues, 4 Nov 2008 12:51:00 GMT Verizon, Alltel Merger Gets Green Light http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/10/verizon_alltel02.html Justice Department sets conditions on mega-merger Fri, 31 Oct 2008 02:20:01 GMT New Twist in 'Vista Capable' Class Action Lawsuit http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/10/windows_class_action.html Lawyers want to use Windows Update to notify eligible consumers. House Passes New Internet Radio Legislation http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/09/internet_radio_reprieve.html Bill would enable negotiations on royalties to continue after Congressional recess. FTC Backs Crackdown on Pre-Paid Phone Card Abuses http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/09/ftc_prepaid.html Agency wants legislation against deceptive marketing tactics. Wilmington Goes Digital In DTV Transition Test http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/09/dtv_wilmington.html FCC test market for digital switchover watched anxiously. Comcast to Cap Internet Usage for Customers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/08/comcast_cap.html Residential users top out at 250 gigabytes per month under new policy. Comcast to Cap Internet Usage for Customers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/08/comcast_cap.html Residential users top out at 250 gigabytes per month under new policy. Signal Problems Plague iPhone 3G http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/08/iphone_chipset.html Apple issues firmware upgrade but analysts are skeptical. Internet Providers Admit to Monitoring Customers' Web Surfing http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/08/isp_monitoring.html Congress demands more information from companies. FCC Announces Major Publicity Push for DTV Transition http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/08/dtv_fcc_awareness.html Commission members will travel to critical markets to spread the word. Graphic Card Problem May Affect Millions of Computers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/08/nvidia.html Nvidia admits problem but doesn't alert consumers. Judge Rules Sprint Termination Fees are Illegal http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/sprint_termination_suit.html Telecom must pay millions in class action suit. XM-Sirius Merger Approval Nears Completion http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/xm_sirius_approval.html FCC fines companies nearly $20 million as precursor to deal. Cancer Center Workers Warned about Cell Phone Risks http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/cell_phone_cancer.html Cell phone use should be limited, University of Pittsburgh cautions. Comcast Tries to Polish Its Image http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/comcast_image.html Cable giant plays nice on many fronts to avoid FCC penalties. Communications Industry Urges Congress to Act on Broadband http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/broadband.html U.S. is falling behind, unions, businesses warn. Apple Has a Bad Day http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/iphone_intro.html Glitches plague 3G intro. Report: New Cable Rules Don't Lead To Lower Prices http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/fcc_cable.html FCC's promises of lower prices, better service unfulfilled. Verizon Pays $21 Million to Settle Termination Fee Lawsuit http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/termination_suit.html Other carriers watch decision carefully. Report: U.S. Broadband Adoption Slowing http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/broadband.html Price, lack of access remain barriers to new customers.