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Print This StoryHidden Fees Often Pop Up On Cell Phone Bills
Experts Say Extra Charges Usually Aren't Taxes
POSTED: 3:28 p.m. EDT May 1, 2003
CLEVELAND -- Do you ever wonder why the advertised cell phone price isn't what you actually pay?
Extra charges on the bill may look like taxes, but Troubleshooter Chris Caswell said many times they're actually hidden fees.
In an effort to boost revenue, cell phone companies are adding surcharges that aren't clearly defined to customers.
They're trying to make it look as if these fees are government imposed, but they aren't.
Cingular Wireless is tacking on a $1.25 fee this month that will pay for pinpointing where 911 calls are made.
AT&T Wireless is charging customers $1.75 for upgrading its emergency services calls.
The charges are enough to prompt Missouri's attorney general to file a complaint against some cellular carriers for misleading consumers about the charges.
Cell phone companies argue the fees are small and a wireless call is still cheaper than ever.
They added that consumers can dispute the charges when they pop up on the bill.
Extra charges on the bill may look like taxes, but Troubleshooter Chris Caswell said many times they're actually hidden fees.
In an effort to boost revenue, cell phone companies are adding surcharges that aren't clearly defined to customers.
They're trying to make it look as if these fees are government imposed, but they aren't.
Cingular Wireless is tacking on a $1.25 fee this month that will pay for pinpointing where 911 calls are made.
AT&T Wireless is charging customers $1.75 for upgrading its emergency services calls.
The charges are enough to prompt Missouri's attorney general to file a complaint against some cellular carriers for misleading consumers about the charges.
Cell phone companies argue the fees are small and a wireless call is still cheaper than ever.
They added that consumers can dispute the charges when they pop up on the bill.
Previous Stories:
- April 28, 2003: Officials Crack Down On Cell Phone Users Who Download Songs
- January 9, 2003: Some Cell Phones Can't Reach 911
- January 8, 2003: Survey: One-Third Of Cell Phone Users Unsatisfied
- August 8, 2002: Service Lets You Locate Loved Ones With Cell Phone
- May 28, 2002: Company Changes Cell-Phone Contract Without Notice
- April 28, 2002: Roaming Charges Sneak Up On Cell Phone Users
- January 20, 2002: What Should Consumers Look For In Cell Phones?
- January 7, 2002: Cell Phone Companies Slammed For Bad Service
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