Lance Backs Proposed Swipe At Long-Distance ‘Slammers’

Wed., Sept. 17, 1997

Associated Press

Attorney General Alan Lance wants to crack down on companies that illegally switch customers’ long-distance telephone service.

Lance joined 25 other state attorneys general on Monday in recommending that the Federal Communications Commission create tough new rules for long-distance carriers that switch customers’ service without their knowledge or consent - a practice known as “slamming.”

The FCC solicited the comments of the attorneys general as part of its effort to make changes to subscriber and carrier provisions under the 1996 Telecommunications Act.

The proposals include requiring a written confirmation of long-distance carrier changes. The customer’s bill also would list toll charges, the name of the new carrier, and the date when the service is effective.

Lance said the recommended safeguards would “provide protection from deceptive slam artists and sound guidelines for the operations of legitimate long-distance companies.”

The action comes a week after a five-state legal settlement with Dallas-based WinStar Gateway Network Inc. that resulted in refunds for Idaho consumers and $15,000 in fines and civil penalties.

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Lance Backs Proposed Swipe At Long-Distance ‘Slammers’

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

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