FCC not Happy With Verizon’s ETF and Data Fee Reasoning
| by Elias Chiddicks on January 3rd, 2010 |
Verizon has been in some hot water lately regarding their fees, namely the early termination fee and the mysterious $1.99 phantom data fee. The FCC has been taking them to task on their reasoning, asking for an explanation which Verizon has recently provided. The FCC has responded, and they are not pleased.
In a one page response that only be described as scathing, the FCC says Verizon’s answers are “unsatisfying and, in some cases, troubling.” FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn specifically mentioned the ETF, which has been expanded to include both the cost of the device and the related services. The services, she reminds, are covered by high monthly charges already. Clyburn argues that this practice is clearly not within the public’s best interest. She also called the $1.99 disappearing data fee “alarming.”
Clyburn chided Verizon strongly, and reminded them that their mission was to “[focus] primarily on developing innovative products, maintaining affordable prices, and providing excellent customer service.” Clyburn also promised to speak with her colleagues on the matter of Verizon in the near future. Harsh words, but necessary? No doubt.
Read [PDF]
[Via BGR]
1. CassH wrote on January 12, 2010
Cell phone contracts are evil and exploitative. This is just one more example of how people are ripped off by big corporations.
I had a contracted cell phone until about a year ago when I realized that there are so many great prepaid options out there that it doesn’t make sense to get a phone on contract anymore.
Take for instance the Straight Talk plan I’m currently using. It is on VZN’s network so the quality is really great but it costs only $45 for unlimited everything! With this plan I’m saving at least $50 per month.
At that price why would anyone even think of signing a two year contract that’s going to cost more and is so restrictive? And don’t even start me on the hidden charges of contracts…