Conformity Magazine - April 2008 - (Page 10)

NewsBreaks Mandatory Analog Cellular Service Ends February 18th marked the end of mandatory analog cellular telephone service in the United States, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued guidelines for those consumers who might be affected by the transition. According to the Commission, consumers at risk include those who still use an analog-only wireless handset, certain users of the OnStar in-vehicle communications service, and those who have residential alarm systems that rely on analog cellular radio equipment to link with monitoring stations. By law, wireless telephone subscribers with analog service and equipment must be notified by their wireless telephone companies prior to the discontinuation of analog wireless service. Further, most wireless phones on the market today with advanced features, such as text messaging, Internet browsing, an MP3 music player or an integrated camera, are digital and therefore not affected. Most of the major wireless carriers have information on their web sites to help consumers determine if their service might be affected. OnStar officially discontinued analog cellular service on December 31, 2007 (see Conformity, February 2008). OnStar subscribers with analog-only equipment cannot be upgraded and will no longer receive service, but those subscribers with analog/digital-ready equipment can be upgraded and should contact OnStar on the steps to take. Regarding alarm systems, the industry’s own statistics indicate that approximately 1 million of the 26 million alarm systems installed in the U.S. still use analog radio equipment, including wireless alarm systems installed before Spring 2006. Although many alarm system service providers are contacting those customers whose systems require upgrading, consumers are encouraged to contact their alarm company if they have any questions. Our readers can view the complete text of the Commission’s press release about the expiration of analog cellular service at www.conformity.com/1610. Commission’s jurisdiction. In the area of wireline telecommunications matters, the Bureau is particularly interested in instances of “cramming” (the placing of unauthorized, misleading or deceptive charges on a telephone bill) and “slamming” (the practice of changing a subscriber’s telecommunications service provider or calling plan without the subscriber’s permission). The Commission also tracks violations of the Federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), which includes regulations covering both the “Do Not Call” registry and unsolicited fax advertisements. During the period from January through March 2007, the Bureau received 14,566 total complaints regarding wireline telecommunication services, with 11,611 complaints in the area of TCPA issues alone. This compares with 23,358 total complaints during the January-March 2006 period, with 19,725 involving with TCPA issues. In the area of inquiries, the Bureau also received 9802 inquiries in connection with wireline telecommunications, including 7556 inquiries dealing with TCPA issues, during the period from January through March 2007. This compares with 31,231 total inquiries during the first quarter of calendar year 2006, of which 20,648 were related to TCPA issues. During the period from April through June 2007, the Bureau received 20,188 total complaints regarding wireline telecommunication services, with 13,877 complaints in connection with FCC Releases Quarterly Reports on Consumer Inquiries and Complaints The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released quarterly reports on inquiries and complaints made by consumers to the agency’s Consumer & Government Affairs Bureau during the first and second quarters of 2007. The Bureau regularly tracks inquiries and complaints from consumers on matters within the scope of the DilBErt: © Scott Adams/Dist. by United feature Syndicate, inc. reprinted with permission. 10 Conformity April 2008 http://www.conformity.com/1610

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Conformity Magazine - April 2008

Conformity Magazine - April 2008 NewsBreaks Editor’s Note Mandatory Analog Cellular Service Ends FCC Releases Quarterly Reports on Consumer Inquiries and Complaints New Standards List Released for The EU’s Low Voltage Directive FDA Issues Notification on Unretrieved Device Fragments FDA Offers Guidance on Waivers for In-Vitro Diagnostic Devices ESD Open Forum Emerging Issues in Standards Challenges in Testing Design Fundamentals Focus on... New Products Product Reviews Premarket Approval Application Guidance Issued by FDA New Jersey Enacts Electronic Waste Recycling Regulations A New U.S. Standard for Workstation and Computer Design Might the CPSC Hold Retailers Accountable for Safe Products? CPSC Loses “Sole Toy Tester” CPSC Actions in the News IEC Standards Update UL Standards Update Telcordia Standards Update From Our “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up” Department Looking Back: Items from Past Issues of Conformity Advertisers

Conformity Magazine - April 2008

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