(a) As used in this section, (1) “prepaid calling card company” means a company that provides a prepaid calling service to the public using its own network or resold services, (2) “prepaid calling service” means a prepaid telecommunications service that allows an end user to originate a call using an access number and authorization code, and (3) “telecommunications service” means telecommunications service, as defined in section 16-247a.

(b) Each prepaid calling card company that sells or offers for sale prepaid calling cards shall, at the time of sale, disclose clearly and conspicuously: (1) Any surcharges or fees, including monthly fees, per call access fees and surcharges for the first minute or unit of use that may be applicable to the use of the prepaid calling card; (2) any rounding of time used by the consumer and the formula of computation of such rounding of time; (3) any application or other fees charged to the consumer; (4) any restrictions on use of the prepaid calling card; and (5) a toll-free consumer assistance telephone number.

(c) The Commissioner of Consumer Protection may adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, prescribing additional information that a prepaid calling card company shall provide to consumers at the time of purchase.

(d) A violation of this section shall be deemed an unfair or deceptive practice under section 42-110b.

(P.A. 00-71; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(c); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)

History: June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Consumer Protection with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.