10/10/05-A bill in the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy would give cell phone users in the state clearer bills and shorter contracts.
Dubbed the “Cell Phone Users’ Bill of Rights,” the first-in-the-nation effort would address common cell phone annoyances by fixing dead zones, shortening contracts from two years to one, and requiring companies to issue monthly bills that are easier to understand.
Provisions in the bill – H3331 – include:

• A requirement that roaming calls be itemized on the bill within 60 days of the call, identifying the date and location of the call;
• All providers must provide consumers with coverage map that are as accurate as current technology allows;
• Consumers would have a trial period during which they could cancel any new service contract without having to pay a termination fee; and
• Carriers must get customers “express permission” prior to making cell phone numbers public. They would be prohibited from charging a fee to keep numbers private.

An identical Senate Bill – S1790 – also is in the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
For House bill status, call (617) 722-2356.