A. As used in this section, unless the context requires otherwise:
"Billing agent" means any entity that submits charges for products, goods, or services to the billing carrier on behalf of itself or any service provider.
"Billing carrier" means any telephone company that issues a telephone bill directly to customers.
"Service provider" means any entity that offers products, goods, and services to a customer and that directly or indirectly charges to or collects from a customer's bill received from a billing carrier an amount for such products, goods, or services.
B. This section does not apply to (i) products, goods, or services offered by or bundled with the services of a telephone company or its affiliates; (ii) telephone calls that are customer initiated by dialing 1+, 0+, 0-, or 1010XXX or that a customer accepts as collect; or (iii) commercial mobile radio services.
C. No service provider or billing agent shall willfully (i) add products, goods, or services not authorized by any customer or (ii) charge or attempt to collect charges from any customer for any such products, goods, or services without the customer's authorization. A customer is not liable for an amount charged through a billing carrier by a service provider or a billing agent without the authorization of the customer.
D. A service provider or billing agent shall obtain verification of a customer's authorization before submitting charges for products, goods, or services directly or indirectly to the billing carrier. The verification may be in written, oral, or electronic form and shall be verified by an independent third party. The service provider shall retain the verification for a minimum of two years.
E. A billing carrier shall not enter into an agreement to bill for any charges for products, goods, or services for a service provider or billing agent unless that agreement requires the service provider or billing agent to comply with subsection D.
2010, c. 322.
Structure Code of Virginia
Title 56 - Public Service Companies
Chapter 15 - Telegraph and Telephone Companies
§ 56-459. Removal of old line not required by this chapter
§ 56-460. How consent of appropriate authorities obtained; terms of use
§ 56-461. Cost to Commonwealth in connection with construction of line to be paid by company
§ 56-463. Company may contract for right-of-way, etc.
§ 56-464. Right of eminent domain
§ 56-465. Preceding sections subject to repeal or change at pleasure
§ 56-466. Location of posts, poles, cables and conduits; height of wires, etc.
§ 56-466.1. Pole attachments; cable television systems and telecommunications service providers
§ 56-467. Restoring condition of ground
§ 56-468. Endangering life or limb by stringing wires across other works
§ 56-468.1. (Contingent expiration -- see Editor's note) Public Rights-of-Way Use Fee
§ 56-468.2. Reimbursement for relocation costs
§ 56-479.1. Long distance service; change of carriers; prior authorization
§ 56-479.2. Anti-competitive acts; injunctive relief
§ 56-480. Rates, etc., on file with Commission not to be questioned in courts; revision; proof
§ 56-480.1. Time limit on institution of approved rates
§ 56-480.2. Operator assistance at pay stations
§ 56-481.1. Rates, charges, and regulations for interexchange telephone service
§ 56-482. Agreements between telephone companies to be submitted to Commission
§ 56-482.1. Reports required of interexchange telephone companies
§ 56-484. Foreign companies to obtain license
§ 56-484.2. Extension or reduction upon poll of certain subscribers
§ 56-484.3. Powers of Commission not restricted; rules and regulations
§ 56-484.7:1. Offering of communications services
§ 56-484.7:4. Revocation of Commission approval
§ 56-484.13. 9-1-1 Services Board; membership; terms; compensation
§ 56-484.14. Powers and duties of the 9-1-1 Services Board
§ 56-484.16. Local emergency telecommunications requirements; text messages; use of digits "9-1-1."
§ 56-484.16:1. PSAP dispatchers; training requirements
§ 56-484.17. Wireless E-911 Fund; uses of Fund; enforcement; audit required
§ 56-484.17:1. Collection of prepaid wireless E-911 charge at point of sale; rate established
§ 56-484.20. Charges for emergency calls
§ 56-484.21. Instructions for emergency calling
§ 56-484.22. Access to PSAPs from telephone stations on MLTS