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Verizon fine overview:
- Who: The Federal Communications Commission wants to fine Verizon $100,000.
- Why: The fine would be charged for the company’s failure to provide the agency with sufficient data on its Premium Visual Voicemail service, per the FCC.
- Where: The Verizon fine would reflect its actions in the United States.
The Federal Communications Commission seeks to fine Verizon $100,000 for failing to provide enough data regarding its Premium Visual Voicemail service for the agency to determine whether it provided sufficient accessibility for disabled users.
The proposed fine stems from a consumer complaint to the agency’s Enforcement Bureau about Verizon’s voicemail service, which transcribes voice messages into text, alleging the service was not accessible.
After receiving the complaint, the commission determined that Verizon failed to provide information that it was required to provide for the agency to make its determination, thus violating commission rules and the Communications Act of 1934.
Verizon fined for not being ‘fully responsive’
The complaint was made to the bureau in December 2021 by a hearing-impared Verizon customer. The customer complained that the voicemail service, which costs $2.99 per month, stopped working a few months after he bought a Samsung phone and added the service to it.
The Communications Act requires telecom services and equipment to be accessible to people with disabilities if the services are “readily achievable.” However, the FCC has been unable to determine whether Verizon failed to provide achievable services, due to the telecoms company being “not fully responsive.”
“We will take appropriate action to ensure others appreciate the importance of these investigations and the need to fully respond to our requests for information,” said Loyaan A. Egal, acting FCC Enforcement Bureau chief, in a statement.
Verizon ready to appeal FCC fine
Verizon has already disputed the findings that its voicemail service was insufficient. It can still also respond to the FCC’s fine notice and ask the commission to overturn the action.
“At all times the Verizon service at issue was accessible to everyone — including the single
individual who filed the underlying complaint with the FCC,” Verizon spokesperson Rich Young told Law360 in an email. Young also noted that Verizon may appeal the decision.
Have you had issues with Verizon’s Premium Visual Voicemail service? Share your experience in the comments section below!
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17 thoughts onVerizon to pay proposed $100K fine over voicemail accessibility for disabled users
I have been dealing with all of these cellular companies for several years not just for service but I used to work for one that eventually was eaten up by another and is now part of Verizon. I have had an with no less than 3 lines, now at 7 lines, with Verizon imparticular for at least 20 years. I have had visual voice mail for at least 7 and had issues with it. I am very tech savvy and have tendency to save things that may become useful in future, such as all text & voice messages. I am currently on a “Grandfathered” Verizon plan that they have been trying to do what ever they can to get me off including the charging for the administrative fees. I am disabled as well and fully believe that I nor anyone else should be required to pay for visual voice mail especially when the translated message isn’t always correct or complete so you still have to listen to the message to get it. As well as I’ve had it happen to where it hasn’t worked at all and disappeared. I would really love to be added to ALL Verizon lawsuits as I’ve been dealing with all the same issues.
Please ad me. Thank you.
Add me please
I left Verizon for multiple reasons but I paid for unlimited which was supposed to have visual voicemail it only worked when it wanted too! It was nice when it did because it’s easier for me read a voicemail than try too listen too one!
I pay for 4 lines unlimited and my watch rarely did the visual voicemail work on any line! My husband has hearing issues too!!
I was over Verizon overpriced and awful customer support
ADD ME PLEASE
How do I get added to Verizon lawsuit? I’ve been paying high payments for years and I only have 1 phone. Smh
I never have data and am on an unlimited plan. I can only make phone calls 80 % of the time while on wifi. The customer service Is horrible. I pay 287 a month for 2 phones and am totally sick of this service after more than 10 years it gets worse every year.
Add me, phone bill keep goi3 up