Franken, Blumenthal bill would allow cell phone users to sue carriers

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-tech/post/franken-blumenthal-bill-would-allow-cell-phone-users-to-sue-carriers/2011/10/04/gIQANrueLL_blog.html

Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Al Franken (D-Minn.) on Tuesday introduced a bill that would ban wireless carriers from using contract clauses that strip users of rights to sue in court.

The senators said in a release that companies such as AT&T, Verizon and Sprint Nextel regularly include provisions in consumer cell phone contracts that require any complaints to be resolved in arbitration.

They said that leaves consumers with fewer ways to fight back.

“Smartphone users deserve their day in court for legitimate complaints against abuses,” such as hidden fees, Blumenthal said in a press release. “Consumers should have rights to access to appropriate avenues -- enforceable in court – for recourse in order to hold cell phone companies accountable for poor service or excessive fees.”


http://blog.alfranken.com/2011/10/05/washington-post-franken-blumenthal-bill-would-allow-cell-phone-users-to-sue-carriers/

[ixion]

1. they need to ban contracts with outrageous severance fees

that allow the cell provider to then provide crappy service.