Brazil Regulator Announces New Pro-Consumer Celular Rules

SAO PAULO -(Dow Jones)- Brazil's telecommunications regulatory agency Anatel late Friday announced a series of measures strengthening the rights of cellphone users.

In the most financially significant move for operators, Anatel said that old credits on prepaid cellphones must be revalidated when phones are recharged.

In addition, operators will be obliged to offer credits valid for 180 days, not just 90 days, Anatel Commissioner Jose Leite Pereira said at a press conference.

Meanwhile, incorrect charges on cellphone bills will have to be reimbursed at double the value, he added.

The changes must be implemented within six months.

The rules will hit Vivo Participacoes, TIM Participacoes and Claro, the No. 3 cellphone operator owned by America Movil, to varying degrees.

Operators will be required to offer installment payments on bills 60 days late. Currently, they must offer installments after 90 days.

-By Alastair Stewart, Dow Jones Newswires; 55-11-3145-1479; alastair.stewart@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires"

Posted to the site on 28th July 2007