Posted by The Blogging Desk on Thu, Oct 14, 2010
New York Times:
Julius Genachowski, the F.C.C. chairman, will propose what he calls the commission’s consumer empowerment agenda, aimed at ensuring that users of new technologies do not have to worry about hidden costs, confusing billing practices and what the commission calls “bill shock.”
In an interview on Tuesday, Mr. Genachowski said that the five-member commission would consider proposed rules that also would require cellphone and mobile Internet companies to notify customers when they were about to incur roaming charges or other higher-than-normal rates that were not covered by their monthly plans.
Who doesn't want to save money? In terms of cell phone bills, there could be nothing worse than going over your texting and/or data plan.
Apparently, Verizon disagrees;
The mobile phone companies are less enthusiastic. In a filing with the F.C.C. opposing new billing and notification regulations, Verizon Wireless said that it agreed that consumers should have “access to clear information regarding their wireless usage.”
But, the company added, “intense competition has led wireless carriers to provide consumers with usage information” and many mobile phone companies “have developed tools that allow customers to monitor and control their usage in various ways,” including on their mobile devices and online.
Gee, thanks. Isn't it bad enough they want a monopoly on apps, now they want to ensure we go over our limits?
I will say this; ATT's mobile app for the iPhone is very well done. I can open the app and check how many texts I've sent during the current billing month, how many minutes I have left, and I can even pay my bills. Fun!
It may not be fun, but it does help me from going overboard. The FCC is doing a good thing, but I think they're just trying to help people that really just use their phone for calls. Anyone using a phone with apps has to be smart enough to check their date plan. Right?
Right?
Would you like to save monies on your IT Support team? We'd like to help.
