Telecom Companies Want to Weaken Bill Allowing Domestic Abuse Survivors To Leave Family Phone Plans Shared With Abusers

United States News News

A lobbying group representing the U.S. wireless industry has reportedly been working to weaken proposed legislation that, if passed, would allow victims of domestic violence to remove themselves from family phone plans they share with their abuser. The law, which is called the Safe Connections Act, proposes letting mobile phone customers end their relationship with their provider while keeping their phone number (even if they owe money on their bill). Phone companies would be required to comply with the request within 48 hours, and, as the bill is currently written, would be liable if they didn’t follow through. Advocates believe the Safe Connections act could help survivors more safely leave their abusers, as well as limit the ability of abusers to surveil and stalk their victims after leaving the relationship.\n