The FCC has a new portal on its website designed to provide “one-stop shopping” for consumers interested in information that falls under the FCC’s regulatory realm. But there’s not much there about broadcasting — most of the top topics involve the types of communications companies that charge consumers for their services.
“Our new Consumer Help Center makes it easy for consumers to learn about our work and take action,” says Joel Gurin, Chief of the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau of the FCC. “Here, in one place, consumers can do a number of things such as read about consumer issues, get practical advice for avoiding problems, file a complaint, comment on our rulemakings, or read what our FCC experts are saying in our Consumer Blog.”
About the only item pertinent to broadcasters, who offer their services to consumers for free, is a link to allow a consumer to quickly complain about alleged indecent programming. It would also ease a consumer’s path toward making a comment about a proceeding pertaining to broadcasting.
From the FCC, here are the major offerings from the new portal, located at www.fcc.gov/consumers:
* Everything consumers need to know about Bill Shock and Early Termination Fees — two common issues that affect wireless customers;
* Savvy Traveler tips — advice on making phone calls when travelling abroad;
* Broadband Speed Test — consumers can test the speed of their broadband service;
* Fact Sheet Library – more than 150 consumer Fact Sheets on telecom subjects;
* Links to additional resources on a range of issues, including privacy;
* Links to file a complaint to the FCC or comment on our rulemakings;
* Blog posts about consumer issues — with consumer comments welcome;
* News releases, statements, and FCC actions.
