FCC establishes alerts for phone bills

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- The U.S. Federal Communications Commission announced guidelines for alerting cellphone users before they exceed monthly limits on voice or data messaging.

The guidelines, the commission said, are an attempt to eliminate the shock of consumers finding out after the fact they have exceeded limits on a phone or text messaging plan, causing their monthly bills to skyrocket.

At an event at the Brookings Institution in Washington announcing the guidelines, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said, "Empowering consumers with the tools and information they need to navigate the rapidly changing technology landscape has been one of the Federal Communication Commission's top priorities since I became chairman."

"Last year," he said, "the FCC identified a growing problem we called 'Bill Shock' and took important steps toward a solution, which led to today's victory for more than 200 million wireless consumers."

In a statement, FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn said, "Particularly in difficult economic times, we should do all we can to help Americans manage their mobile wireless expenses."

But Commissioner Michael Copps issued a statement with more cautious optimism.

"While I do not think today's announcement guarantees closing the book on consumer worries over bill shock and unanticipated charges, it does represent good progress."

Consumers have a right to know ahead of the monthly bill's arrival if they risk high overage fees. So I credit CTIA (The Wireless Association) for taking this important step to acknowledge the very real impact bill shock has on mobile consumers, and doing something about it."

The CTIA said the alerts would be sent for free before and after limits are reached for domestic phone and data plans and for international roaming charges.

President Barack Obama also applauded the guidelines.

"I appreciate the mobile phone companies' willingness to work with my administration and join us in our overall and ongoing efforts to protect American consumers by making sure financial transactions are fair, honest and transparent," he said.