FCC Plans to Force Phone Companies to Warn Users When They Exceed Usage Limits

Friday, May 14, 2010

Federal regulators want to lessen the “shock” that comes when some consumers open their cell phone bills. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) intends to craft new rules requiring cell phone companies to warn customers if they’re starting to run up unusually high charges for exceeding their plan’s minutes or relying on roaming services. Wireless businesses in Europe already do this by sending out text messages to consumers. The FCC was prompted to take action on this matter after receiving hundreds of complaints from Americans about getting hit with unexpected charges and having to pay hundreds of dollars more each month.

-Noel Brinkerhoff
 
F.C.C. Weighs Plan to Warn of High Cellphone Bill (by Edward Wyatt, New York Times)
Mobile Minutes Made Simple: Tips for Avoiding Bill Shock Now (Federal Communications Commission) (pdf)

Comments

Rosie 14 years ago
I changed from a contract to Net10 prepaid for just that reason! My cell phone bills were always a nasty surprise at the end of the month till I decided "no more"! I now pay only 10c per minute for calls, 5c per text and NOTHING for roaming fees or long distance charges. What a pleasure!

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