As expected, the FCC introduced, Thursday, studies of bill shock and voted unanimously to move forward with the measure.

As the next step, the FCC will put into motion a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking through which comments will be sought in setting rules to protect consumers from bill shock. Although there are wireless providers that offer notices to consumers of overages—namely AT&T with the iPad—the new bill will create a universal protection across all carriers.

Some ideas proposed during the meeting include:

• Automatic notifications to alert subscribers when limits are reached for voice, text, and data services; 
• Automatic notifications to alert subscribers of international and roaming charges; and
• Educating the public of new terminology used in mobile services to assist consumers understand usage

Although all commissioners were in support of moving forward with the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, some voiced concerns of strict regulations that may increase costs for consumers and put undue burden on smaller wireless carriers.

Commissioner Robert M. McDowell said it seems, “...when it comes to fixing bill shock, there [will soon be] an app for that.”

The FCC also discussed in the meeting the consideration of spending universal service funds to support private investments on current mobile technology like 3G and changes to the FCC’s CableCARD rules, which deals with video navigation devices.  

For more information on the meeting follow this link.