FCC seeks comment on defining early termination fees

WASHINGTON-The Federal Communications Commission is seeking public comment on industry’s request to put early termination fees under the definition of rates charged, a legal interpretation that could block states and plaintiffs’ attorneys from taking action on fees levied by mobile-phone carriers when customers break their service contracts.

The petition for declaratory ruling filed by CTIA, the national cell-phone association, is part of a broader industry effort to curb state oversight of mobile-phone operators.

Comments and reply comments are due 30 days and 50 days, respectively, after the FCC public notice is published in the Federal Register.