Governor’s office hosting consumer protection meetings

Date: 8/8/2011

BOSTON — The Patrick-Murray Administration’s Department of Telecommunications and Cable is hosting a series of listening sessions across the state as it considers updating consumer protection regulations.

The regulations, which apply to telephone and cable service to residential customers, have not been updated in 34 years. In that time, the industries have seen significant changes as companies now offer bundled packages of cable, phone and Internet service; and wireless communication has emerged as a mass-market service.

“As we consider updating these regulations, we want to hear from consumers and the industry about their concerns and the important areas on which we should focus,” Geoffrey Why, commissioner of the Department of Telecommunications and Cable, said. “These listening sessions will provide us with a roadmap as we consider the best way for these regulations to reflect current technology and marketing.”

Sessions will take place at the following locations:

• Pittsfield — Aug. 10 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Berkshire Community College’s K111 Theater, 1350 West St.
  
  
• Springfield — Aug. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Springfield Technical Community College’s Building Two Theater, 1 Armory Square.
  
  
• Worcester — Aug. 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center Amphi-theater I S2-102, 55 Lake Ave. North.
  
  
• Boston — Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at State Transportation Building, second floor conference rooms 1-3, 10 Park Plaza.

For more on the sessions and the regulations, read the Notice of Public Informational Forums at www.mass.gov.

The Patrick-Murray Administration’s Department of Telecommunications and Cable regulates the telecommunications and cable industries, promotes competition, and protects consumers’ interests.

The department is part of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, which can be found at its Web site located at www.mass.gov/consumer.