Implementation of the Subscriber Carrier Selection Changes Provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Policies and Rules Concerning Unauthorized Changes of Consumers' Long Distance Carriers

In this document, the Commission addresses issues raised in petitions for reconsideration implementing section 258 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Section 258 prohibits the practice of "slamming," the unauthorized change in a subscriber's selection of a provider of telephone exchange or toll service. Slamming distorts the telecommunications market by enabling companies that engage in fraudulent activity to increase their customer and revenue bases at the expense of consumers and law-abiding companies. We believe that the slamming rules instituted by the Commission will further the Commission's goal of preventing anti-competitive behavior while protecting consumer choice.