Consumers in California are one step closer to getting basic protections when dealing with phone companies, after state regulators released the final draft of the “Telecommunications Consumer Bill of Rights”, which would become law as early as September.

The proposed law includes new rules for phones companies on marketing practices, prepaid calling cards and services, deposits to establish or reestablish service, privacy, service contracts, billing, billing disputes, late-payment penalties, backbilling and prorating, service termination and other areas.

The rules apply to all forms of telecommunications service: local and long-distance, and wireless, and prepaid phone cards and services.

“This Bill of Rights is the most comprehensive set of consumer protection rules for telecommunication consumers in the country,” said Commissioner Wood. “With the rapidly changing face of the telecommunications industry, these rights are essential to protect consumers and to allow the PUC to evenhandedly enforce such protections.”

The cellular phone industry is opposed to the PUC’s initiative.

“This is like a re-run of Titanic,” said Tom Wheeler, president and CEO of the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association, an industry trade group. “No matter how many times you replay it, the ship always sinks at the end. No matter how many times you propose state regulations, it always comes at a cost to consumers.”.

(via Wired News)