Consumer Communications Reform Act - States that Congress finds that the revenues from integrated interstate and foreign common carrier telecommunications services helped maintain a level of charges for telephone exchange service which is lower than otherwise would be required. Expresses the sense of Congress that the authorization of lines, facilities, or services of specialized carriers which duplicate the lines, facilities, or services of other telecommunications common carriers is contrary to the public interest.
Reaffirms the intent of Congress that the complete authority to regulate terminal and station equipment used for telephone exchange service shall rest with the States even though such terminal and station equipment also may be used in connection with interstate services.
Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that no compensatory charges for or in connection with such communication service may be found to be unjust or unreasonable on the ground that it is to low. Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission from holding the charge of a carrier up to a particular level to protect the traffic or revenues from a communication service offered or provided by another carrier if such charge proposed by the carrier is compensatory.
Provides that the Commission shall not grant or authorize any construction permit, station license, or certificate, for the construction, acquisition, or operation of any communication or transmission line or facility, or extension thereof, or any modification or renewal thereof, unless the Commission shall find, after full opportunity for evidentiary hearing on the record, that such permit, license, or certificate will not result in increased charges or unnecessary duplication of communication lines.
Prohibits any officer, employee, or agent of a communications common carrier from intercepting the oral or wire communication of an officer, employee, or agent of such carrier or the voice content of customer-to-customer oral or wire communication, or any action on the part of such carrier to prevent theft of services except as specifically authorized by this Act.
Declares any advertising expense which is incurred by a telephone company subject to this Act a non-tax deductible expense.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.
Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary.
Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means.
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