The Federal Communications Commission says it will require carriers to alert customers who are about to exceed limits on their data or calling plans, or incur large roaming charges. Along with Consumers Union and wireless association CTIA, the FCC today unveiled a new set of regulations aimed at reducing “bill shock” for mobile phone users.
The new rules would compel carriers to send text messages or voicemails to users as they approach their plans’ data or voice limits, or if they incur international roaming charges. The messages would be automatic, meaning that consumers would not need to do anything in order to “opt in.”
The new “Wireless Consumer Usage Notification Guidelines” encompass commitments from carriers serving 97% of the wireless subscribers in the United States, according to CTIA. By April 13, 2013, the carriers are committing to provide alerts to customers who reach their limits on voice, data and text, and who are incurring roaming charges. By October 17, 2012, the carriers will provide at least two of these four alerts.
In order to comply with this rule, carriers need to bill their customers in real time. Companies that offer real time billing solutions include Matrixx Software, Oracle, Amdocs, Openet and Info Directions.
President Barack Obama applauded today’s announcement, saying “Our phones shouldn’t cost us more than the monthly rent or mortgage. So 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.”
