Lawmakers question communications companies on billing practices

Four House Democrats sent letters on Thursday to leading Internet and cellphone service providers, questioning them over extra fees that are often tacked on to consumers' bills.

The "below-the-line" charges include administrative, recovery and service fees and generate hundreds of millions of dollars for communications companies, according to the lawmakers. They accused the companies of deceiving consumers by advertising low rates, and then piling on unexpected charges at the end of the month.

"Transparency and disclosure in the marketplace ensure that consumers are able to accurately compare competing services and choose the provider that best meets their needs," wrote Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Mike Doyle (D-PA), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) and Jim Matheson (D-UT).

Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, July 18, 2013