FCC steps up slamming enforcement. (Telecommunications Law Update).(Federal Communications Commission takes action against telecom companies practicing "slamming")

In recent weeks, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken aggressive steps to enforce its rules prohibiting "slamming," the unauthorized change of a telephone subscriber's preferred carrier. On March 26, 2003, the FCC assessed a monetary forfeiture in the amount of $1,200,000 against WebNet Communications, Inc., for changing the preferred carriers of 20 consumers' telephone lines without authorization.

Also on March 26, 2003, the FCC adopted an order to show cause and notice of opportunity for hearing (hearing order) regarding Business Options, Inc. (BOI). The FCC ordered commencement of a hearing before an administrative law judge to consider: (1) …