In its rules, the FCC ordered that customers be notified of a "new" service provider any time a BILL includes charges from a company that did not bill the customer for services in the previous billing cycle. However, such notification applies only to "SUBSCRIBED" services; i.e., when a service provider has a continuing relationship with a customer and likely places regular or periodic charges on your bill. For example, long-distance surcharges, voicemail, Internet access, and other services that continue until you terminate them, are subject to the notification rule. On the other hand, services billed on a per- TRANSACTION basis, such as directory ASSISTANCE, dial-around (10-10) toll calls, and other "non-recurring" pay-per-call services, are not subject to the notification requirements.

In its rules, the FCC ordered that customers be notified of a "new" service provider any time a bill includes charges from a company that did not bill the customer for services in the previous billing cycle. However, such notification applies only to "subscribed" services; i.e., when a service provider has a continuing relationship with a customer and likely places regular or periodic charges on your bill. For example, long-distance surcharges, voicemail, Internet access, and other services that continue until you terminate them, are subject to the notification rule. On the other hand, services billed on a per- transaction basis, such as directory assistance, dial-around (10-10) toll calls, and other "non-recurring" pay-per-call services, are not subject to the notification requirements.