Unfair Mobile Phone Fee Hikes or Bill Shock

Our Fight Preventing Unfair Mobile Phone Fee Hikes or " Bill Shock"

Millions of Americans are being hit with unfair or unexpected mobile phone charges and fee hikes and AARP is fighting to protect their wallets. AARP is calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to take action to protect consumers who get hit with sudden and unexpected fee hikes — even though they have made no changes to their phone plan. AARP is also fighting to prevent consumers from being unfairly penalized if or when they decide they want to change or alter their mobile phone plans, seeking better value for their dollars. Currently, the FCC is considering regulations that would address this problem, known as "bill shock." Consumers can fall victim to bill shock for many reasons, including: Roaming charges that accrue when consumers travel outside their coverage area, which can add up to thousands of dollars. Overage charges that accrue when consumers exceed the limits on their voice, text or data plans and begin accumulating high charges at a per-minute rate. Unexpected charges when a phone is used with Wi-Fi in "airplane mode." Charges for mandatory data plans that are included with new phones and plans without the consumer's knowledge. Other fees that are included without the consumer's knowledge. Confusion about promotional rates, plans and billing — including unclear or inconsistent guidance from salespeople and customer service representatives. Text or voice alerts that would notify customers regarding usage and specifically when they are nearing and/or have reached their monthly limits, as well as to a predesignated "main" line for the plan. Text or voice alerts notifying customers prior to incurring roaming charges while traveling, as well as to a predesignated "main" line for the plan. Better disclosure by service providers of tools available to customers for managing their wireless account, such as online resources or smart phone apps. Allowing consumers to cap usage and thus prevent incurring unexpected and additional costs. Allowing consumers to cancel, without penalty, any contract for wireless telephone service within a period of at least 20 days after the date of the first bill for monthly service following service activation.
Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.