FCC may soon charge $225 to handle your complaint

Ajit Pai's Federal Communications Commission is proposing that it stop reviewing the vast majority of consumer complaints about telecom companies. Going forward, consumers harmed by broadband, TV, and phone companies would have to pay $225 in order to get an FCC review of their complaints.

If the rule change happens, getting the FCC to go through the same steps as it does today will require filing a formal complaint, which costs $225. That's according to the Democrats, and in particular House Energy & Commerce Committee, Reps. Frank Pallone of New Jersey and Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania, who sent a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai expressing their concerns.

Customers will still be able to submit informal complaints, and telecom providers will still be required to respond to them within 30 days. But consumers who don't get what they want from the ISP will have to file a formal complaint and pay the $225 in order to get the FCC to take any action.

"At a time when consumers are highly dissatisfied with their communications companies, this abrupt change in policy troubles us," Pallone and Doyle wrote. "As the chief communications regulator, the FCC plays a critical role in ensuring consumers — including families, small businesses, and struggling Americans — get fair and honest treatment from their service providers."

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