FCC proposed $1,020,000 fine against America’s Tele-Network (ATNC...
FCC proposed $1,020,000 fine against America’s Tele-Network (ATNC) Tues. for apparent violations of Commission rules against slamming. FCC staff determined that ATNC apparently was liable for fine of $40,000 for each of 17 alleged violations, for total of $680,000.…
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Violations arose from 16 consumer complaints that FCC investigated out of more than 260 received. Commission further determined that due to apparent pattern of intentional and egregious misconduct, fine should be increased 50%. ATNC has 30 days to either pay proposed fine or show why it should be reduced. ATNC is nationwide reseller of long distance services, based in Roswell, Ga. FCC order cited numerous examples of misleading ATNC encounters with consumers. In one case, consumer said telemarketer called her, said she was with AT&T and wanted to correct overbilling problem. Telemarketer asked consumer to “confirm” her name, address and birthdate before company would send check to cover overbilling. ATNC later used that confirmation as proof that consumer wanted to subscribe to ATNC, FCC said. “The evidence before us indicates that ATNC has apparently willfully and repeatedly changed consumers’ preferred telecommunications providers without their consent.” agency’s order said.