Attorney General Kelly A. Ayotte announced today that New Hampshire has joined 32 other states in an assurance of discontinuance with three cellular telephone service providers. Verizon Wireless, Sprint, and Cingular Wireless have agreed to provide consumers with fuller and more explicit disclosures regarding cellular coverage, to restrict certain advertising claims, and to provide expanded cancellation privileges.

Specifically, the providers have agreed that they will disclose that claims of “Nationwide” or “Coast-to-coast” coverage does not necessarily mean that coverage will be available in all areas. Other restrictions on advertising will also apply.

Also, the providers have agreed not to impose a termination or cancellation fee if the consumer cancels service within 14 days of activation, although the consumer may be responsible for any charges or fees for use during that period. Furthermore, if a consumer wishes to cancel within three days of activation, the provider will also refund activation and non-usage based fees.

Attorney General Ayotte stated that many consumers who have filed complaints to her office relating to cellular phone providers say that they purchased cellular service only to find out when they took the phone home that they had no coverage. Then, when the consumers went to cancel the service contract, they were unable to cancel without paying substantial fees. “This agreement gives consumers a reasonable time to make sure that they get the cellular service that they want,” Attorney General Ayotte said. “It should benefit consumers of the State of New Hampshire.”

Consumers may address questions about this issue to the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau of the Attorney General’s Office at 271-3641.