[ Text Version | WordPerfect Version ]


fcclogo NEWS

Federal Communications Commission
1919 - M Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
News media information 202 / 418-0500
Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
ftp.fcc.gov


This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

February 3, 1999


CONSUMER FRIENDLY WEBSITE LAUNCHED AS FIRST STAGE OF NEW CONSUMER NETWORK; COMPLAINTS CAN NOW BE FILED ON-LINE


Today the FCC officially launched the Common Carrier Bureau Enforcement Division's newly designed website. This is the first stage of new Consumer Network project being undertaken by the Bureau. The information provided on the pages of this new, consumer-friendly website will further the FCC's efforts to educate consumers about their rights as users of telephone-related services.

In addition, consumers will now be able to file their complaints against telephone companies with the FCC on-line by completing the Consumer Complaint Form. This on-line form is accessible to persons with disabilities. Before this, consumers had to send in complaints by postal mail. The on-line complaint system will allow the Enforcement Division to process consumer complaints faster.

Chairman William Kennard said, "Launch of this new website certainly marks a great day for American consumers. I am delighted that the Common Carrier Bureau has been able to provide everyone with a simple to use resource that so well promotes our commitment to make the information and consumer protection resources of the Commission readily available to all."

The URL for the new website is http://www.fcc.gov/ccb/enforce/.

The rollout of the Enforcement Division's new website is just the first phase of a comprehensive plan, called the Consumer Network project. The next phase of the Consumer Network project will permit consumers to file complaints with the FCC by telephone. The final phase of the project involves implementation of a process whereby carriers will respond to consumer complaints through an electronic interface. When completed, the complaint process will be completely automated, and the Division's complaint response time will be cut by at least 50%. The final two phases are expected to be complete within the next nine months.

News media contact: Emily Hoffnar at (202) 418-0253
Common Carrier Bureau contact: Sharon D. Lee at (202) 418-2800.
TTY: (202) 418-0485