As reported by CNET News, Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), who represents parts of Silicon Valley, has introduced the "Next Generation Wireless Disclosure Act," which would require cellular carriers that offer 4G data services to provide consumers with accurate information about the minimum speed and reliability of the service.
In an interview, she said "consumers are really confused about what 4G really is," adding that "wireless companies right now throw around terms like 'lightning fast' and 'supercharged,' but their claims when examined closely don't always match up with reality." She said that the bill would "provide consumers with the information that they need to make a smart purchase including pricing, minimum speeds and reliability."
As CNET's Marguerite Reardon wrote in November, "There is no question that wireless operators are playing fast and loose with their marketing claims."
In a statement, CTIA Vice President Jot Carpenter said, "We are concerned that the bill proposes to add a new layer of regulation to a new and exciting set of services, while ignoring the fact that wireless is an inherently complex and dynamic environment in which network speeds can vary depending on a wide variety of factors."
Subscribe now: iTunes (audio) | RSS (audio)