FCC chief wants cell phone cancellation fees regulated

WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the Federal Communications Commission said Friday he wants to regulate fees charged to cell phone users who cancel their wireless contracts early.

At a news conference, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin would not say whether he endorses an industry plan to help consumers avoid “early termination fees” as detailed by The Associated Press earlier this week.

But Martin said he supports regulating the fees at a federal level, even if it affects a series of class-action lawsuits against carriers in state courts.

Martin said industry and consumer groups were negotiating to reach an agreement to ease the fees, which have infuriated consumers. But so far, they have been unable to reach a consensus.

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