Local and long distance wireline telephone service to consumers is a major concern to our Commission. We ensure that everyone has rapid, efficient, nationwide and worldwide access to these services at reasonable rates.
Consumers are protected by rules and policies relating to slamming and cramming, and we ensure Truth-in-Billing and Truth-in-Advertising.
Our most commonly asked questions about wireline telephones are:
- Does the FCC regulate all telephone issues?
- How do I stop telemarketing calls to my home?
- What is the Subscriber Line Charge and why do I have to pay this charge?
- What is slamming and what can I do about it?
Does the FCC regulate all telephone issues?
No, complaints about your local telephone company or intrastate issues (within
your state) should be directed to your state
Public Utilities Commission.
How do I stop telemarketing calls to my home?
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) of 1991 was created in response to
consumer concerns about the growing number of unsolicited telephone marketing
calls to their homes and the increasing use of automated and prerecorded
messages. Read our guide on
Unwanted Telephone Marketing Calls.
What is the Subscriber Line Charge and why do I have to pay this charge?
The Subscriber Line Charge is a fee that you pay to your local phone company
that connects you to the telephone network. Local telephone companies recover
some of the costs of telephone lines connected to your home or business through
this monthly charge on your local telephone bill. Sometimes called the federal
subscriber line charge, this fee is regulated and capped by the FCC, not by
state Public Utility Commissions. It is not a tax or a fee charged by the
government. The money received from the subscriber line charge goes directly to
local telephone companies. To ensure that all Americans can afford at least a
minimal level of basic telephone service, the FCC will not allow phone companies
to charge more than $6.50 for a single line.
More information on the
Subscriber Line Charge and other charges on your phone bill.
What is slamming and what can I do about it?
Slamming is the term used to describe the changing of your local or long
distance carrier to another company without your knowledge or permission. If you
believe you have been slammed, you may file a
complaint with the FCC or your state Public Utilities Commission, depending on
the state in which you live.
