Who says Congress never gets anything done? Pressed into action by the ongoing budget crunch, lawmakers have agreed to let …
FCC
LightSquared’s Broadband Rejection a Blow for Wireless Competition
The federal government’s rejection of LightSquared’s ambitious plan to launch a nationwide wireless network is a major setback for hedge fund manager Phil Falcone, who poured billions of dollars into the project. But it also …
How to Get the Government to Cover Your Cell Phone Bill(s)
Last year, a federal program paid out $1.6 billion to cover free cell phones and the monthly bills of 12.5 million wireless accounts. The program, overseen by the FCC and intended to help low-income Americans, is popular for …
Is Cell Phone ‘Bill Shock’ Going Away?
An estimated 30 million Americans have been hit with “bill shock”—the unexpected, unpleasant scenario in which a consumer unknowingly exceeds his cell phone plan limits and incurs extra charges. Sometimes, these charges are …
Cheapskate Wisdom … About Helping Consumers Avoid Cell-Phone Overage Fees
“Most people don’t know what a megabyte is. But they do understand when they get an alert telling them they’re about to go over their limit and incur additional fees.”
Warning! Your Wireless Bill Is About to Explode
The FCC is proposing a new requirement that would force wireless companies to alert customers—probably via text message—when they’re about to get hit with overage charges for exceeding their plan’s data or text limits.
Is the Internet an Information Service or a Telecom Service?
And why should you care either way?
Hey Verizon, Your Explanation for the Highest-Ever Cell-Phone Fee ($350!) Doesn’t Explain Much
Perhaps the FCC actually is stepping up efforts to protect consumers from sketchy practices in the wireless industry. After Verizon failed to adequately justify reasons for its highest-ever $350 early termination fee, the FCC commissioner seems ready for a scrap: “It is hard for me to believe that the public interest is being well …
No Sh** Report: ‘FCC Needs to Improve Oversight of Wireless Phone Services’
After surveying customers and speaking with consumer protection and industry groups, something called the U.S. General Accountability Office has come to a total no-sh** conclusion: Customers are confused and frustrated with their wireless bills and contracts, and they need help dealing with their wireless providers.
The People vs. Cell-Phone Tyranny: A Case for Lower Monthly Bills
If the jig isn’t up, it seems like it should be soon. There’s simply too much inexpensive technology out there to justify the sorts of bills and restrictions the average wireless customer puts up with in the U.S.
