Federal Communications Center launches Consumer Help Center

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Consumers have a new, easy-to-use, Consumer Help Center that puts them within one click of all the information they might want from the Federal Communications Commission. The new portal launched today at www.fcc.gov/consumers will allow consumers to learn about different issues in telecommunications, make it easy for consumers to find out what’s going on at the FCC, get tips for making the best choices in purchasing communications devices and services, have their voices heard by filing comments on issues that interest them, and file a complaint when there are problems.   The Consumer Help Center is produced by the FCC’s Consumer Task Force, an inter-bureau group established by Chairman Julius Genachowski at the beginning of 2010. The Task Force has led several recent initiatives on major consumer issues.

The Consumer Help Center includes:  

• Everything consumers need to know about Bill Shock and Early Termination Fees - two common issues that affect wireless customers;
• Savvy Traveler tips - advice on making phone calls when travelling abroad;
• Broadband Speed Test - consumers can test the speed of their broadband service;
• Fact Sheet Library – more than 150 consumer Fact Sheets on telecom subjects;
• Links to additional resources on a range of issues, including privacy;
• Links to file a complaint to the FCC or comment on our rulemakings;
• Blog posts about consumer issues - with consumer comments welcome;
• News releases, statements, and FCC actions.

 The site will be updated to include new FCC consumer initiatives as they are launched.