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UCAN.org complete RSS FeedAT&T Raising Its Smartphone Data Plan Rates
AT&T announced this week that its smartphone data plan prices are going up. Starting on January 22, AT&T’s $15 data plan becomes its $20 data plan and AT&T’s $25 data plan becomes its $30 data plan.
SDG&E's Proposed Solar Tax is Rejected by Regulators
In a surprising but welcome move today, CPUC, the California Public Utilities Commission agreed with UCAN that SDG&E's attempt to raise rates and charge special fees to owners of solar photo-voltaic panels is illegal. SDG&E has been ordered to submit a new rate proposal that doesn't include this controversial charge. Full story.
Pat Zaharopoulos, Esq. and Murtaza H. Baxamusa named to UCAN's Board of Directors
UCAN has named Pat Zaharopoulos, Esq. and Dr. Murtaza H. Baxamusa to its Board of Directors. Details.
Smart Meter Opt Out - UPDATED
UPDATED 1/4/2012 - SDG&E has filed a proposed opt out policy for the CPUC to review. You can review the document yourself, but the cliff notes are that SDG&E is suggesting removing the wireless signal on existing meters and allowing a manual read each month. This cost will be passed on to consumers who want to opt out.
UCAN fighting SDG&E on rates for solar customers
An October 3rd proposal by SDG&E to change the way it charges customers for power is very likely illegal. In this second phase of its General Rate Case, SDG&E has proposed a new rate design, which includes a Network Use Charge, a Basic Service Fee and a Prepay Service option. UCAN has filed a motion asking the regulators to reject SDG&E's application and have them resubmit one that doesn't violate state laws.
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General Rate Case - 2011
SDG&E has submitted its Notice of Intent to File a General Rate Case Application. SDG&E requests that the CPUC authorize a combined $1.5 billion in rates. An unprecendent 5% increase compared to currently effective rates. The filing with the Public Utilities Commission explains why. In the midst of the greatest economic recession in almost a century, SDG&E has requested the largest rate hike in its history. And it wants it to last for four years. For more details, read on.
AT&T International Wireless Roaming Overcharges and Cramming
AT&T's practice of enabling international roaming without customer notification violates the CA Public Utilities Code, which is intended to protect consumers from "cramming" of unauthorized charges. AT&T customers are also being charged for calls that were never placed. UCAN asserts that these customers never sought nor authorized international roaming as a service provided in connection with their cellular phone service.
California Lifeline/Universal Lifeline Telephone Service
California Lifeline, formerly known as Universal Lifeline Telephone Service (ULTS), provides discounted basic residential (landline) telephone service to low-income households.
Sprint Nextel illegally billing taxes, fees, and text message charges on data broadband services plans
UCAN has filed a federal class action complaint against Sprint Nextel (aka Sprint Solutions) for illegally billing customers taxes, fees, and text message charges on data services plans. You can read the complaint here.
MCI Long Distance Charges
UCAN's complaint, filed with the California Public Utilities Commission, details how MCI added surcharges to the bills of local phone customers in violation of California law. MCI's new long-distance "Basic Monthly Fee" is being imposed on those customers who use MCI's local phone service...but don't use MCI long-distance.
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