BILL ANALYSIS
SB 1903
Page 1
SENATE THIRD READING
SB 1903 (O'Connell)
As Amended August 8, 2002
Majority vote
SENATE VOTE :24-14
UTILITIES AND COMMERCE 10-6
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|Ayes:|Wright, Calderon, | | |
| |Canciamilla, Cardenas, | | |
| |Diaz, Horton, Nation, | | |
| |Papan, Reyes, Simitian | | |
| | | | |
|-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------|
|Nays:|Pescetti, Bill Campbell, | | |
| |John Campbell, Kelley, La | | |
| |Suer, Maddox | | |
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SUMMARY : Requires cellular telephone service providers to give
customers a way to obtain current information on their calling
plans and usage. Specifically, this bill :
1)Requires commercial mobile radio service providers, commonly
known as cellular telephone service providers, to give
subscribers a method to obtain current information on the
subscriber's calling plan or plans and service usage.
2)Specifies that the service provider may determine what
information is reasonably current and available, but that the
information must be made available to subscribers no later
than January 1, 2004.
3)Directs cellular service providers to inform their subscribers
of this service, and how to get it, at the time service is
first established.
4)Excludes one-way paging and narrowband personal communications
services from the requirements.
EXISTING LAW :
1)Requires anyone who charges subscribers for products or
SB 1903
Page 2
services on a telephone bill to include in the bill the amount
being charged for each product or service, including any taxes
or charges, along with a clear and concise description of the
service or product.
2)Permits several states to establish customer rules for
cellular telephone companies.
FISCAL EFFECT : None
COMMENTS : Most cellular telephone service plans include a
specified number of minutes of service in the monthly price.
Minutes beyond that specified number are subject to additional,
sometimes relatively high charges. For example, a typical plan
might cost $39.99/month, which includes up to 400 minutes of
service (10 cents a minute if the customer uses all 400
minutes), but that 401st minute and every minute of usage
thereafter may cost customers up to $0.40.
Many cellular phones can track minutes of use, but that tracking
is not what is used as a basis for billing. This bill does not
mandate a specific method to disseminate this information.
Thus, service providers could make this available on the
Internet, telephone, etc. These details are left up to the
Public Utilities Commission in the bill.
Many credit card companies, banks, and long distance telephone
companies provide customers with up-to-date information on their
account balances via telephone or the Internet.
Analysis Prepared by : Paul Donahue / U. & C. / (916) 319-2083
FN: 0006059