WASHINGTON-A watchdog group said since January 2002 consumers have paid $629 million in fees required by federal regulators for wireless services, including a charge for a local number portability option whose implementation was delayed for months because of legal challenges by the mobile-phone industry.
The Center for Public Integrity survey of the 10 largest wireless service providers shows that nine of them have been collecting recovery fees. The fees cover LNP, number pooling, enhanced 911 and digital wiretap requirements.
LNP, which has divided the mobile-phone industry, is set to take effect Nov. 24.
“Consumers are being bilked billions of dollars, and there’s nothing that they can do about it,” said Chris Murray, legal counsel for Consumers Union.
