FCC Fines NetOne $1.6 Million for Cramming

The FCC handed down a $1.6 million fine to Florida-based telecom provider NetOne for instances of cramming -- the practice of billing consumers for unauthorized services or features -- the commission said in a news release Wednesday. The Enforcement Bureau reviewed more than 100 consumer complaints against NetOne, which detailed instances of the company charging consumers "late fees" after they had canceled service, and refusing to close customer accounts until the unauthorized fees were paid, said the release. The FCC said NetOne "continued to engage in cramming despite repeated warnings" from the commission, which issued a notice of apparent liability to NetOne in the case in July 2014. NetOne didn't comment.