European Union Reaches Agreement to Improve Internet User Rights – Verizon Wireless doubles early termination fee

The battle for Internet User Rights in Europe has been ongoing for the last two years, as lawmakers across the pond have been working on a new package of telecommunications laws. The "Telecoms Reform Package" is supposed to amend a set of laws passed in 2002, and seeks to unify laws covering the European communications market.

Laws within the package cover a wide range of issues, such as strengthening consumer rights; giving consumers more choice by reinforcing competition between telecoms operators; promoting investment into new communication infrastructures; freeing radio spectrum used by analog broadcasts for wireless broadband services; and making communication networks more reliable and more secure.

Full Story: http://www.dailytech.com/European+Union+Reaches+Agreement+on+Internet+User+Rights/article16390.htm

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Verizon Wireless doubles early termination fee

Starting Nov. 15, Verizon plans to double its early termination fee (ETF) — to $350 — for customers who end their cellphone contracts early. The fee, arriving just in time for the holidays, applies to customers who have a smart phone or other advanced device on a one or two year contract.

Full Story: http://blogs.usatoday.com/technologylive/2009/11/verizon-wireless-doubles-early-termination-fee.html