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UCAN E-Alert: Watch out for costly data services from your wireless phone provider

Posted February 27th, 2008

In a recent post on UCAN.org, we discussed the disturbing practice of wireless companies luring customers into data services such as streaming radio, video, and other multimedia, and then charging customers thousands in data services charges. The post also shows you how to unsubscribe from these services (not always an easy task). A number of UCAN member and website visitor complaints have pointed to AT&T as a chief offender.

AT&T customers have entered into deals for XMRadio, MobiTV, Pandora radio, and many other services over their cell phone, thinking the costs would be $5-$10 a month, or that there even was a free trial period.

Unfortunately, there is a hidden gotcha to these services. AT&T charges per kilobyte data transfer charges. Streaming media uses up bandwidth fast, and customers who have used the service for less than an hour or two have incurred charges of more than $1000. An unlimited data plan costs $15, and you should make sure have this plan if you intend to use services such as those listed below.

UCAN is ready to act to fix the problem. If you have had any issues or complaints with data services charges from any wireless provider (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Cricket, Alltel, etc.) please go ahead and submit a complaint to UCAN here (UCAN will help you get it resolved) OR share your experience here.

The types of data services in question include, but are not limited to:

XM Radio, MobiTV, MobiRadio, MobiVJ, Pandora, MySpace Mobile, Fantasy Sports Edge, MLB Gameday with Audio, InStyle Magazine, Univision Movil, Hip Hop Official by GoTV, GoTV Alt Rock, Music ID, Mobilcast, Wayfinder Navigator 6.

See the entire post here:

http://ucan.org/telecommunications/wireless/how_att_free_trial_xm_radio_...

Thanks for your time and your support of UCAN! Hope to hear from you soon.

Art Neill, Consumer Advocate

619-696-6966

 

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