Oftentimes,wireless customers are hit with a nasty case of sticker shock when they receive their monthly statements. But a new plan announced today by the CTIA is designed to eliminate those instances, with the major carriers agreeing to provide free alerts before monthly limits are reached for voice, data and text messages. The service also includes an alert for international roaming charges when consumers travel abroad.
“Our phones shouldn’t cost us more than the monthly rent or mortgage,” said President Barack Obama in a statement. “So I appreciate the mobile phone companies’ willingness to work with my Administration and join us in our overall and ongoing efforts to protect American consumers by making sure financial transactions are fair, honest and transparent.”
Dubbed the Wireless Consumer Usage Notification Guidelinesm the offering was made by CTIA President & CEO Steve Largent, Federal Communications Chairman Julius Genachowsk, and Consumers Union’s Communications Policy Counsel Parul Desai.
By October 17, 2012 participating carriers will provide customers with at least two out of the four notifications for data, voice, text and international roaming and all of the alerts by April 17, 2013.
“Last year, the FCC identified a growing problem known as bill shock and took important steps toward a solution, which led to today’s victory for more than 97 percent of wireless consumers,” said the FCC’s Genachowski. “These alerts will give consumers the information they need to save money on their monthly wireless bills. Consistent with the FCC’s ongoing efforts, these actions harness technology to empower consumers, and ensure consumers get a fair shake, not bill shock.”
