No Notification Before Raising Long Distance Rates Coming to an End

In this week's Ask Consumer 6, we have a question concerning long distance phone rates. A viewer told us that his long distance company raised his rates from 10 cents to 17 cents a minute without

Tuesday, August 22nd 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

In this week's Ask Consumer 6, we have a question concerning long distance phone rates. A viewer told us that his long distance company raised his rates from 10 cents to 17 cents a minute without notifying him.
He wanted to know if this practice is legal.

The News on Six contacted the Federal Communications Commission and learned the agency recently won a court battle with long distance companies on this very issue. The court ruled that the F-C-C can force long distance companies to notify customers before raising rates. But the ruling won't take effect until early next year. In the meantime, keep a close eye on your long distance bill and shop around for the best rates.

If you have a question for Ask Consumer 6, call our tip line at 732-6111 or e-mail dwhite@kotv.com.