Udall encourages FCC to make ‘bill shock’ rules

He notably stopped short of calling on the FCC to make rules forcing wireless carriers to halt service, including voice and text capabilities, to customers who have exceeded their monthly plans.

That provision appears in Udall’s “bill shock” legislation. It is of particular concern to wireless carriers who believe customers will blame them, rather than the law, when their service is cut off. Critics say the provision could even be dangerous for wireless users when they are direly in need of phone service but do not have the ability to make calls.

The FCC is scheduled to launch a proceeding to make rules about wireless billing at its October 14 meeting.