• The Washington Post , Thursday, October 18, 2007 11:30 AM

AT&T and Verizon Wireless, the nation's two largest wireless carriers, will let customers make changes to their calling plans without automatically extending their contracts. AT&T also says it will reduce the fees consumers pay for breaking their contracts.

The companies amended their policies before a hearing held yesterday by lawmakers interested in legislating consumer-friendly practices. A bill introduced last month by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) would require wireless companies to prorate the fees they charge customers to cancel their cell phone contracts.

Some consumer advocates say the preemptive moves are an effort to convince lawmakers that further legislation is not necessary. Klobuchar applauds the companies' voluntary efforts, but says they are not enough. Consumers filed more complaints about the wireless industry than any other sector for the past three years, according to the Council of Better Business Bureaus.

Read the whole story at The Washington Post »