CTIA-The Wireless Association® Commends FTC For Its Case to Stop Unauthorized Charges on Consumers Bills

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Apr 17, 2013, 03:04 ET

WASHINGTON, April 17, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to the Federal Trade Commission filing its first case against unauthorized charges on consumers' mobile monthly bills, CTIA-The Wireless Association® Senior Vice President and General Counsel Michael Altschul said:

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"CTIA commends the FTC for its action today to add enforcement and deterrence to the wireless industry's already extensive efforts to combat cramming. It's our members' priority to ensure their customers have a positive wireless experience.

"We also applaud our members that assisted the FTC with its investigation and ultimately the charges that stopped this unscrupulous company's actions.

"The overwhelming majority of the premium subscription SMS campaigns, such as Major League Baseball's offerings or presidential campaign donations, comply with the Mobile Marketing Association's Code of Conduct. These Best Practices require users to double opt-in to subscribe to premium SMS messages, and these codes are monitored at least once a month to ensure compliance with the MMA. To those companies that are not compliant, they must change their practices, or we will continue to aid the FTC to find and shut down any improper business.

"Finally, nonprofit organizations, such as the American Red Cross, are able to solicit donors via text message with the donation being added to the customers' monthly bills."

CTIA-The Wireless Association® (www.ctia.org) is an international organization representing the wireless communications industry. Membership in the association includes wireless carriers and their suppliers, as well as providers and manufacturers of wireless data services and products. CTIA advocates on behalf of its members at all levels of government. The association also coordinates the industry's voluntary best practices and initiatives, and sponsors the industry's leading wireless tradeshows. CTIA was founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, D.C.

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SOURCE CTIA-The Wireless Association