It’s irritated me for years. It ranks right up there with the banks not denying debit card transactions when your account is empty, then charging you a big fee.
Verizon Wireless doesn’t notify me when I’m approaching the limits of my cell phone plan. Several times, I’ve been shocked to receive my bill at the end of the month and see that I’ve gone over my 300 minute limit and was charged 25 cents a minute for calls.
I called about it and Verizon said if I paid $5 a month, I would get a notification. Pay $60 a year for something Verizon should offer as a routine service for consumers? I don’t think so.
There’s good news.
The Federal Communications Commission is in the process of taking a look at the need to notify consumers when they are near their cell phone plan limit or are beginning to rack up roaming charges, according to the Consumer Reports’ Electronics Blog.
In Europe, carriers are required to text customers to let them know when such charges may be imminent, the blog reports.
The FCC is asking for comments on reasons why American carriers should provide similar warnings. It’s also inviting carriers, and others – including consumers and consumer advocates – to let them know if consumers may already be able to get this information by other means.
See “FCC Launches Initiative to Head Off Unexpectedly High Wireless Bills” for more information.
