AMY KlOBUCHAR
1...·.·.ESOltJ.
COMMITTEES
AGRICULTURE. NUTRITION
AND FORESTRY
COl....IERCE. SOEIlCE
AND TRANSPORTATION
ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS
JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE
JUDICIARY
tinitcct~tQtCg~cnotc
WASHINGTON, DC 20510
Deccmber 2, 20 I0
Julius Gcnachowski
Chairman
Fcderal Communications Commission
4-15 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
Dear Chaimlan Gcnachowski:
I write to you once aguin about billing practiccs in lhe wireless induslry. As rcponcd in
the Washil1gton Pas/this week, cell phone companies are beginning 10 unveil faster, more
comprehensive nClworks al the same time they are moving toward liered pricing plans based on
how much data a wireless CUSlomcr uses. In light of these developmenls,l urge the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) to consider how tiered pricing will impact billing practices
in the wireless industry.
Although the continued evolution of wireless tcchnology will provide cell phone
consumers with a variely of voice and data plans to suit their particular needs, tiered pricing can.
if not implemcntcd correctly, lead to increased consumer eonfl.lsion, mystery charges and
ovcrages. As j'vc said before, consumers should know whal they're purchasing and smart phone
users should know how much data they consume. It is for this rcason that wireless companies
should oOer consumers clear, transparent and informative bills.
Advancements in wireless technology have presentcd consumers with exciting new cell
phone and smart phone options. Those advancements should not goh[l11d-in~l13ndwith increased
consumer confusion. For this reason, I urge thc FCC to maintain robust oversight ofwircless
bills. I look forward 10 working with you on this issuc.
Sincerely,
Amy Klobuchar
United States Senator
1843