Telecom RSS FeedUCAN releases reply comments on phone billing fraud (cramming) reporting requirements in California
UCAN's reply comments support a strong reporting requirement for telecommunications abuses, something the Cellular Telephone Industry Association(CTIA), AT&T, Verizon and other carriers don't want. These proceedings will decide if the companies will have to comply with basic consumer protection standards, or will be allowed to police themselves. Read More
Sprint surcharges while stock sinks - No monthly fee, San Diego Pioneer Plan adds charges
My wireless phone plan, from 1997, has no monthly charges. That is why I jumped at it and have held on to it. I accepted the terms of the Pioneer Plan and I have kept my end of the contract, for all these years, along with thousands of other San Diegans. I wish I could say the same for Sprint.
UCAN releases comments on phone billing fraud (cramming) in California
UCAN has released comments regarding proposed "cramming" reporting requirements in California. Cramming is the placing of unauthorized charges are "crammed" into your phone bill where the charges are often unnoticed. UCAN supports tough reporting requirements, particularly due to abuses in the wireless phone industry.
UCAN wins refunds, customer service improvements, and billing system changes in settlement with MCI (Verizon)
Recent approval of a settlement in case 06-10-023, UCAN's cramming case against MCI, brings refunds to 1,890 customers as well as customer service and billing system improvements.
Skype Pro customers who paid $36 for one year of "unlimited" service charged additional $3 a month and limited to 3000 minutes
Skype Pro Customers who signed up for 12 months of unlimited service at $36 seem to be running into some problems and hidden gotchas with Skype.
Telemarketers for Cox Communications falsely claim digital cable service is required for the 2009 TV transition
UCAN has received some complaints that telemarketers have been trying to get Cox customers to upgrade from basic cable to digital cable as part of the transition. THIS IS NOT REQUIRED.
If you have basic cable connected to your TV you will not need a converter box and you do not need to upgrade to digital cable. Digital cable and High-Definition are different services, and you do not need either service for your television to work after the transition.
Customer greets cable repair guy with shot gun ...
San Diego Union Tribune: A cable repairman says he isn't "shocked" by angry shot gun wielding customers. UCAN's Executive Director says the increasing aggression being shown by cable TV & satellite TV victims is due to an anticompetitive environment. More.
How AT&T "Free Trial" of XM Radio, MobiTV, MySpace Mobile, etc... could cost you thousands and how to cancel or unsubscribe
Learn how AT&T Data Services, like XM RADIO and MobiTV, can end up costing you THOUSANDS of Dollars and learn how to cancel those Data Services.
California's Telco Deregulation Fiasco: Finding Alternative Phone Service in a Competitive Wasteland
Your telephone rates have increased by between 70-276%.....in just the past year. From a few years ago, we are looking at 1000% price increases. Remarkably, many consumers aren't even aware of these price shocks. And when they find out, they feel helpless to do anything about them. They're partly right thanks to irresponsible regulatory oversight. But there are some ways to fight back..............read on.
Michael Shames and Dr. Phil - together on January 31st
UCAN's Executive Director appeared on the Dr. Phil show on January 31st. Learn more.
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Sprint Nextel illegally billing taxes, fees, and text message charges on data broadband services plans
UCAN has filed a federal class action complaint against Sprint Nextel (aka Sprint Solutions) for illegally billing customers taxes, fees, and text message charges on data services plans. You can read the complaint here.
Ethiopian AT&T Wireless Roaming Overcharges and Cramming
AT&T's practice of enabling international roaming without customer notification violates the CA Public Utilities Code, which is intended to protect consumers from "cramming" of unauthorized charges. AT&T customers are also being charged for calls that were never placed. UCAN asserts that these customers never sought nor authorized international roaming as a service provided in connection with their cellular phone service.
California Lifeline/Universal Lifeline Telephone Service
California Lifeline, formerly known as Universal Lifeline Telephone Service (ULTS), provides discounted basic residential (landline) telephone service to low-income households.
MCI Long Distance Charges
UCAN's complaint, filed with the California Public Utilities Commission, details how MCI added surcharges to the bills of local phone customers in violation of California law. MCI's new long-distance "Basic Monthly Fee" is being imposed on those customers who use MCI's local phone service...but don't use MCI long-distance.
Ringtone and text message rip-offs
Of all the new features and capabilities of today's cell phones, UCAN receives the most complaints about ringtones and text messages. Our issue center contains all sorts of valuable information from consumer guides and updates to lawsuits and settlements against major cell phone providers. Come inside and see for yourself!
Cingular Customer Service Case 2002-2007
UCAN established that Cingular Wireless engaged in illegal marketing and customer service practices from 2000-2002 and filed a suit in July 2002. The case dragged on for years, but in was worth the wait. In 2006, a CA Court of Appeals judge ruled against Cingular and upheld a CPUC decision to hit Cingular with a large fine for its unconscionable actions. Get all the details inside our issue center.
Undergrounding
From SDG&E to SBC, get the real story on undergrounding in San Diego inside this issue center.
Tools
How to Cancel Your Cell Phone Contract
Cell phone providers will let you get out of your contract for around $175 per phone line with no questions asked.
If that just isn't good enough for you, and it shouldn't be, then take a look at this guide to learn about asserting your rights!
How To Check Your Cell Phone Minutes and Account Balance
How not to go over your minutes and how to know the balance you owe
Free 411 Directory Assistance
In the past two years the cost of directory assistance has skyrocketed. Telephone companies are charging their customers unreasonable fees. Thankfully, there are some real alternatives available that should ensure consumers never pay for directory assistance again.
Mobile Phone Plan Checker - How to buy a cell phone
Don't sign a cell phone deal without it! UCAN's new and improved Mobile Phone Plan Checker forces cellular phone salespeople to back up their sales claims in writing.
The guide can help you compare and choose cell phone plans. It also offers lots of tips about researching before you buy and even how to handle a dispute with your cell phone company.
Portability of cell phone and landline numbers
Like your phone number? Want to keep it? Learn what your portability rights are in this guide.
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UCAN.org is made available by the Utility Consumers' Action Network to assist you in becoming what you always knew you could be, a consumer ROCK STAR! We take no corporate money, and are beholden only to you, the consumer. As such, the site is here for educational, advocacy, and empowerment purposes, as well to to give you general information and a general understanding of the law. Just remember this site is NOT here to provide specific legal advice. By using this web site you of course understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Web Site publisher, UCAN. The Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.
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