Arbitration Decision Threatens Millions of Consumer Contracts, CTIA Says

A 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejection of Comcast's appeal in a fight over compelled arbitration in a complaint about advertised cable-TV pricing conflicts with Supreme Court precedent, said CTIA in a docket 18-15288 amicus brief Friday (in Pacer). The group backed a Comcast ask for rehearing en banc (see 1908120009). A practical effect of the 9th Circuit decision is it could bar enforcement of millions of consumer contracts "including virtually all cell phone contracts," the association said. It said that because many companies rely on standardized contracts, the ruling could affect those companies' operations nationwide, not just in California. Consumers would face higher prices and "lose the benefit of an inexpensive and efficient forum for resolving disputes," it said. Outside counsel for the plaintiff-appellee didn't comment.