T.W. Budig
ECM Capitol ReporterRep. Ray Vandeveer, R-Forest Lake, wants to give cell phone users a chance to opt-out of their cell phone contracts without penalty if their provider raises costs or cuts services.
ěThe one-sided service contracts offered by some wireless service providers are completely unfair,î Vandeveer said.
Under Vandeveerís proposal, cell phone providers must provide a written copy of the contracts to customers within 15 days of signing.
Service providers must also notify customers in writing 60 days prior to any change in the contract or administration resulting in less service or greater cost to the consumer.
Consumers then would have 60 days to opt-out of the service contract without penalty if desired.
Cell phone providers could be fined $1000 for each violation for breaking the proposed law.
Senate reaction
District 52 Sen. Michele Bachmann, R-Stillwater, described the proposed legislation ěpro consumerî and expects a favorable reception to it in the Senate.
Bachmann is carrying the legislation in the Upper House.
Rep. Torrey Westrom, R-Elbow Lake, chair of the House regulated industries committee, said the committee wants to take a look at the legislation.
ěIt seems pretty unfair in my mind and most peopleís minds,î Westrom said of cell phone providers changing services without notice.
Vandeveer said he became interested in pursuing his legislation through calls he received from constituents and his own personal experiences.
He said he didnít know how many consumers are affected by surprise cell phone provider services changes.
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