California politicians and activists are unhappy with TracFone and its...
California politicians and activists are unhappy with TracFone and its Mexican owner, Carlos Slim. They plan to ask the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to investigate “the predatory and monopolistic practices of Carlos Slim” at a Tuesday event at the…
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state capitol, said the Two Countries One Voice coalition that oppose the businessman. The gathering will include state senators, assembly members and leaders of the Consumer Federation of California and The Utility Reform Network, said the coalition’s Monday release (http://xrl.us/bn4ooq). The group questions the TracFone purchase of California-based Simple Mobile this summer and the lack of CPUC oversight. TracFone fails to pay its public service fees to the CPUC, the group said. “TracFone may be liable for $13 million in unpaid fees and additional penalties to the CPUC.” The politicians will talk about “introduction of legislation” that gives the state commission “authority and discretion to review all mergers--including pre-paid cell phone services--when it is in the best interest of the public,” said the release. TracFone has 22 million customers in the U.S., which amounts to more than 42 percent of the prepaid cellphone market share, the coalition said. The coalition promises a “large inflatable Carlos Slim/Pac-Man” as a visual at the gathering. TracFone parent América Móvil declined comment.