[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 196 (Tuesday, October 12, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55163-55164]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-26311]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Part 64

[CC Docket 98-170; FCC 99-72]


Truth-in-Billing and Billing Format

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rule; establishment of effective date.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document establishes the effective and compliance dates 
of the Commission's rules published June 25, 1999 concerning Truth-in-
Billing. The rules are intended to ensure that consumers are provided 
with basic information they need to make informed choices among 
telecommunications services and providers, to protect themselves 
against inaccurate and unfair billing practices, and to enhance their 
ability to detect cramming and slamming.

DATES: Sections 64.2000 and 64.2001 become effective November 12, 1999. 
However, compliance with Sec. 64.2001(a)(2)'s requirement that carriers 
highlight new service providers, and Sec. 64.2001(c), which requires 
that carriers identify deniable and nondeniable charges, is required by 
April 1, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David A. Konuch, Enforcement Division, 
Common Carrier Bureau (202) 418-0960.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 15, 1999, the Commission adopted an 
order establishing billing principles to ensure that consumers are 
provided with basic information they need to make informed choices 
among telecommunications services and providers, to protect themselves 
against inaccurate and unfair billing practices, and to enhance their 
ability to detect cramming and slamming. A summary of this order was 
published in the Federal Register. See 64 FR 34488, June 25, 1999. 
Because Secs. 64.2000 and 64.2001 impose new information collection 
requirements, they could not become effective until approved by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB). On September 24, 1999, OMB 
approved the information collections contained in the rules. During 
this review, OMB raised concerns that certain requirements of the Order 
could impair the efforts of

[[Page 55164]]

some telecommunications carriers and providers, particularly small and 
medium-sized carriers, to ensure that their systems are Y2K compliant. 
The Commission recognized that ensuring that telecommunications-related 
computer systems are Y2K compliant is an important public concern. 
Accordingly, in light of the concerns raised by OMB, the Commission has 
agreed to delay, until April 1, 2000, the compliance date for rule 
64.2001(a)(2)'s requirement that carriers highlight new service 
providers, and rule 64.2001(c), which requires that carriers identify 
deniable and nondeniable charges. Compliance with other principles and 
guidelines adopted in the Order, including rule 64.2001(a)(2)'s 
requirement that carriers separate charges on bills by service 
provider, is required November 12, 1999.

List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 64

    Communications common carriers, Consumer protection, 
Telecommunications.

Federal Communications Commission.
Magalie Roman Salas,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 99-26311 Filed 10-8-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P