Prepaid Calling Cards Rate Disclosure

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This Act requires companies selling prepaid calling cards to disclose clearly and conspicuously the terms and services that are obtained by purchasing the cards.

Submitted as: Connecticut Public Act No. 00-71 Status: enacted into law in 2000.

Suggested Legislation

(Title, enacting clause, etc.)

Section 1. [Short Title.] This Act may be cited as “An Act Requiring Disclosure of Rate Information on Prepaid Calling Cards.”

Section 2. [Definitions.] As used in this Act, “Prepaid calling card company” means a company that provides a prepaid calling service to the public using its own network or resold services. “Prepaid calling service” means a prepaid telecommunications service that allows an end user to originate a call using an access number and authorization code. “Telecommunications service” means telecommunications service, as defined in [insert citation].

Section 3. [Surcharges and Fees: Disclosure.] Each prepaid calling card company that sells or offers for sale prepaid calling cards shall, at the time of sale, disclose clearly and conspicuously: (1) Any surcharges or fees, including monthly fees, per call access fees and surcharges for the first minute or unit of use that may be applicable to the use of the prepaid calling card; (2) Any rounding of time used by the consumer and the formula of computation of such rounding of time; (3) Any application or other fees charged to the consumer; (4) Any restrictions on use of the prepaid calling card; and (5) A toll-free consumer assistance telephone number.

Section 4. [Regulations.] The [commissioner of consumer protection] may adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of [insert citation], prescribing additional information that a prepaid calling card company shall provide to consumers at the time of purchase.

Section 5. [Violations.] A violation of this Act shall be deemed an unfair or deceptive practice under [insert citation].

Section 6. [Severability.] [Insert severability clause.]

Section 7. [Repealer.] [Insert repealer clause.]

Section 8. [Effective Date.] [Insert effective date.]