What is meant by "slamming" in the context of telecommunications?

In the context of telecommunications, "slamming" refers to the unlawful practice of changing a customer's service provider without their consent. This often occurs when a third party misrepresents themselves or uses deceptive methods to convince a customer to switch service providers against their will. The critical aspect of slamming is that it violates the customer's autonomy, as it involves making a change to their telecommunications service without proper authorization.

Understanding this concept is essential because it highlights the protections and rights consumers have regarding their telecommunications services. Regulatory bodies put measures in place to prevent such practices and ensure that consumers are not subjected to unfair changes in their service providers. The other options describe different issues related to telecommunications but do not capture the specific legal violation that slamming entails.