It’s bad enough when friends and acquaintances bombard you with text messages, but at least most humans can be reasoned with. Monica, on the other hand, says she’s being hassled by a robot who sends here 20 texts a day, and that Verizon has been slow to jump to her aid.
Spread 'Em, Wireless Companies — It's Time For An FCC Probe
By August 24, 2009
Back in July, Consumer Reports revealed that the FCC would be taking a long, close look at cell phone companies, and this week it’s finally time for that probe.
AT&T To Require Smartphone Data Plans For Smartphones
By August 23, 2009
Bad news, smartphone-owning AT&T customers. Starting September 6, customers will not be permitted to use a smartphone on the network without purchasing a smartphone data plan. Exceptions: unlocked phones and customers who currently have a smartphone (think Blackberry or Palm) but use a non-smartphone data plan.
AT&T: Sorry Your Finger Slipped, We're Still Charging You $1.99
By August 20, 2009
Hey, AT&T customers: be very, very careful when dialing three-digit numbers. If you’re trying to dial, say, 211 or 311 (local government information), 611 (AT&T Wireless customer service) or 711 (TTY relay), and you dial 411 for directory assistance by mistake, you’ll be charged for it even if you realize the mistake and hang up immediately. And you’ll need to live with the consequences of your error, since, according to reader Stephen, AT&T will not refund these charges.
T-Mobile To Charge $1.50 For Paper Phone Bills
By August 12, 2009
If you’re a T-Mobile USA customer who likes to kick it old-school with a paper bill, checks, stamps and whatnot, bad news. Starting September 12, you’ll be charged $1.50 per account for the privilege of receiving your bill by mail.
Beware Pay-Per-Call Phone Scams
By August 5, 2009
Scammers on Craigslist are ordering tough-to-identify pay-per-call phone numbers, then list them on ads, baiting people to call and pay exorbitant fees. Common area codes for pay lines are 976, 940, 915, 556, 554, and 550.
Verizon/Alltel Overcharges Customer, Can't Provide Proof Minutes Were Used
By August 5, 2009
By July 29, 2009
AT&T users in parts of the Northeast and Midwest had a massive mobile data outage (both 3G and EDGE) this morning. Voice reception was not affected. One user reported receiving a $25 credit after calling AT&T to find out what was going on, so it may not hurt to ask. [Business Insider]
Sprint Nextel Purchases $483 Million In Virgin Mobile Prepaid Minutes
By July 28, 2009
Sprint Nextel announced this morning that they will purchase Virgin Mobile USA. The company, which specializes in prepaid mobile phone service, started as a joint venture between Sprint and Virgin, and Sprint owns 13% of their stock. Virgin Mobile USA phones already use the Sprint network.
Reminder: Distracted Driving Is Bad And Dangerous
By July 23, 2009
We had a robust debate on Monday on the use of cell phones and wireless devices while driving. Since then, Consumer Reports Cars has taken a look at the actual statistics for accidents caused by driver distraction, and also the cell-while-driving laws actually on the books in the United States in different localities. Spoiler alert: Texting while driving isn’t a good idea.
When The Going Gets Tough, Data Plans Get Going
By July 9, 2009
When financial whitewater starts rocking your raft, the first things you start to bail on are your “wants.” That would encapsulate cell phone data plans, a MocoNews story on the Washington Post site reports.
The Federal Government Has Had Enough With Cell Phone Exclusivity
By July 7, 2009
Annoyed by cell phone exclusivity deals? The federal government may agree with you. The FCC and Department of Justice are both looking into the issue, concerned about limitations on consumer choice and good old-fashioned competition.
T-Mobile Coupons Save Your Cash AND Your Environment
By July 2, 2009
Fashioning itself a jolly green giant, T-Mobile USA is getting in on money-saving and environmentalist fads by offering a Green Mobile Coupon application that lets its customers access coupons they can scan at cash registers to save on environmentally friendly items.
Zagg Zags When It Could Have Zigged, Helps A Brother Out
By June 30, 2009
David wrote in to tell us how he bought a cell phone, accidentally ruined the screen protector, then sought out the phone-condom manufacturer Zagg to try to buy a new one. What happened next was the stuff of a Frank Capra movie. Check out his story to see why David has gone Zagg-nuts:
Getting An Employee Discount From AT&T? You'll Have To Pay Up
By June 30, 2009
An exciting new policy change took effect last week at AT&T Wireless. Have you recently started a new job, or joined a group that provides discounts on your cell phone service? Guess what? You get to pay a $36 fee per line in order to get your discount!
DealTree Sends Phone Trade In Money To Imaginary PayPal Account
By June 25, 2009
What’s going on with DealTree? They handle Nokia’s “Trade-up” program, which reimburses you cash for your old phones. It says clearly on the “how it works” page as well as in their terms and conditions that they’ll mail a paper check to you after confirming your phone’s value. In Paul’s case, they say dumped his money into a PayPal account—and Paul says there’s nothing in his account and PayPal has no record of a transaction.
Sorry, Your iPhone Reservation Isn't A Reservation
By June 19, 2009
How are Apple Stores doing with the much-anticipated iPhone 3G S launch? Apple fan on the ground Joseph reserved his phone online, queued up outside of his nearest Apple Store this morning at 6:30, and… hit a snag, since his reservation apparently isn’t a reservation.
