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

[The Straight Story]

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

http://www.allgov.com/Where_is_the_Money_Going/ViewNews/FCC_Plans_to_Force_Phone_Companies_to_Warn_Users_When_They_Exceed_Usage_Limits_100514

[customerserviceguy]

1. I have an app on my smartphone

that tells me just how many minutes I've used of my allotted ones. Seems to work fine for me.

[hobbit709]

2. My prepaid phone shows how many minutes I have left.

Of course I don't use my cell phone to yak about inconsequential stuff or text.

I watched two twits once about 6 feet apart in a buffet line talk to each other about what variety was out.

[Vinnie From Indy]

3. Another example of corporate vampires feeding on the American public

Also, it is not an accident that cell phone companies make the instructions for leaving messages so long. They know that by making the instructions longer they can eat up your minutes.

[AndyA]

4. I still haven't figured out what is so important that it can't wait a few minutes.

I see people walk out of their houses, get into the car, then make a call as they drive off. Are they really so busy they can't make that call from home, then leave? Not only does it make them less attentive drivers, but really...the conversations I hear when in public and someone's cell phone rings hardly seem important to me.

I think it's a bit disrespectful, actually. You aren't important enough for me to stop what I'm doing, but I will squeeze you in while I'm grocery shopping, or taking a dump in a public rest room (the WORST!), or while I'm running errands.

Thanks a lot. Call me when you really have time. (Or not.)

If I'm at home, my cell phone is off. They can call me on my home phone.

[Bitwit1234]

5. There are a few sthat do that now and

I think since they already do with no charge people should find them honest.

[The Damned]

6. socialism Socialism SOCIALISM!!!

Won't SOMEBODY think of the CHILDREN?????

[NeedleCast]

7. Kinda sad that we need this level of consumer protection

"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."

Translation: Hey! No Fair! I wasn't paying attention to the fact that I burned through all my minutes and got charged at the over-minutes rate despite the fact that I can - by excercising a little caution and making a phone call or hitting a button on my smart phone - find out exactly how many minutes I have remaining on my plan!"

I'm all for consumer protection but I don't thinkt the government should be protecting people from being stupid.