NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C.  20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA CONTACT
December 23, 2009 Rick Kaplan, (202) 418-1728
rick.kaplan@fcc.gov
STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MIGNON CLYBURN
REGARDING VERIZON WIRELESS’S DECEMBER 18 LETTER ON ETFs
“I was pleased to see the Commission’s Wireless Bureau pose a series of important 
questions in early December to Verizon Wireless regarding the company’s recently increased 
early termination fees (ETFs) and related issues.  I was surprised, as many people were, to see 
that Verizon elected to raise its early termination fees for certain ‘advanced devices.’
“Late Friday, Verizon Wireless responded to the Bureau’s queries.  The company’s 
answers, however, are unsatisfying and, in some cases, troubling.  In particular, I am concerned 
about what appears to be a shifting and tenuous rationale for ETFs.  No longer is the claim that 
ETFs are tied solely to the true cost of the wireless device; rather, they are now also used to foot 
the bill for ‘advertising costs, commissions for sales personnel, and store costs.’  Consumers 
already pay high monthly fees for voice and data designed to cover the costs of doing business.  
So when they are assessed excessive penalties, especially when they are near the end of their 
contract term, it is hard for me to believe that the public interest is being well served.  
“I am also alarmed by the fact that many consumers have been charged phantom fees for 
inadvertently pressing a key on their phones thereby launching Verizon Wireless’s mobile 
Internet service.  The company asserted in its response to the Bureau that it ‘does not charge 
users when the browser is launched,’ but recent press reports and consumer complaints strongly 
suggest otherwise.
“These issues cannot be ignored.  Wireless communications are an essential part of our 
lives, linking us to our places of business, our communities, and our loved ones.  The bottom line 
is that wireless companies can truly earn their desired long-term commitments from consumers 
by focusing primarily on developing innovative products, maintaining affordable prices, and 
providing excellent customer service.  I look forward to exploring this issue in greater depth with 
my colleagues in the New Year.
-- FCC --