FCC to Investigate Bill Shock

UCAN News

UPDATE: The FCC via its twitter feed has requested that consumers file mobile bill shock complaints through their complaint system at http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm

The FCC has opened an investigation into bill shock and will consider whether it should require wireless carriers to provide notifications to consumers to ensure that consumers are fully aware of the roaming charges they are incurring so that consumers do not receive higher bills than expected.

Over the years, UCAN has received many roaming complaints from consumers who incurred charges in the thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars.  UCAN intends to file comments in this FCC proceeding and we encourage anyone who has experienced bill shock to also file comments in this proceeding detailing the shock they experienced and how their carrier investigated and resolved the bill shock.

Comments may be filed electronically using this link, or by going to the FCC ECFS express filing system and following the link for proceeding 09-158 titled Consumer Information and Disclosure.

For more information and to learn about other methods of filing comments please review the FCC's Public Notice.

Filed Under
Communications: Wireless -

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If you happen to be using

If you happen to be using your cell phone near the border, for example in San Ysidro or Chula Vista, CA and the closest cell tower your provider has is in Mexico, the call will be "handed over" to the cell tower in Mexico and you will be charged for International roaming. The FCC needs to investigate this and refund money to consumers who have been unknowingly gouged by this transaction.

FCC To Investigate Bill Shock

Wireless providers have hidden some key information from consumers. It especially impacts those living near the US /Mexican Border and I assume the US/Canadian Border as well.

If you happen to be using your cell phone near the border, for example in San Ysidro or Chula Vista, CA and the closest cell tower your provider has is in Mexico, the call will be "handed over" to the cell tower in Mexico and you will be charged for International roaming. The FCC needs to investigate this and refund money to consumers who have been unknowingly gouged by this transaction.

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