New Jersey Assembly Bill A1782

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Provides consumer protections under certain telecommunications service provider contracts.

Impact

The bill is designed to enhance consumer rights by ensuring that telecommunications providers are held accountable for frequent service outages. By prohibiting them from charging termination fees under specific conditions, it aims to foster better service quality and customer satisfaction within the telecommunications market. This legislation is anticipated to impact existing state laws relating to consumer rights and fair business practices in the telecommunications sector significantly.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1782 introduces significant consumer protections regarding telecommunications service provider contracts in New Jersey. It mandates that if a subscriber experiences and reports a service outage three or more times within a 30-day span, then the service provider must not impose any penalties for early termination or cancellation of the service. This ensures that customers have the right to terminate their contracts without incurring additional fees, thereby protecting their interests as consumers.

Contention

While this bill has garnered support from consumer advocacy groups seeking to enhance protections for individuals, it might face opposition from telecommunications companies concerned about the financial implications of having to issue refunds and forgo termination fees. Additionally, there may be concerns about how the bill will be enforced, including how service outages are defined and recorded, creating potential for disputes over service reliability and provider obligations.