Wireless and telecom bills have historically been large and confusing. So much so that it created an entire cottage industry of bill auditors. However, over the last few years we have seen carriers move to simplify their plans. I am not sure whether this was because of customer complaints or competitors actions, but for whatever reason, customers like it. Let’s take a closer look.
Typically speaking, the older the plan the bigger and more confusing the bill. Moving forward, however, we are seeing a simplification of bills. Customers love this new direction. Especially as we use wireless as a key service for so many devices and factors in our lives.
Simplicity is the next direction
We have seen carriers like AT&T Mobility, Verizon Wireless, Sprint and T-Mobile US really start to simplify the billing choices customers have. And customers like it.
Even smaller carriers like C Spire Wireless are simplifying their plans. Of course companies like C Spire must give customers a reason to choose them rather than one of the larger competitors, so they offer services in the way they think customers want.
So for competitive reasons, going forward simplicity in billing is one important key in wireless and telecom.
Yesterday, today and tomorrow
Yesterday our wireless plan was basically for our wireless phone and that’s pretty much it. Today our wireless plan covers multiple devices we all carry like smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and so on. In fact, today we are seeing family or group plans letting us buy larger bundles of data.
Tomorrow this trend will continue and start to include other devices that access the “Internet of Things” or IoT. We are using wireless data in so many more devices today.
In fact, while driving a Toyota car I was recently asked on screen if it can update itself wirelessly? I said yes and watched the process. It wirelessly downloaded an update to the navigation and automation system.
Do you understand how incredible this is? This is what I am talking about. Wireless is transforming every industry. We are just in the very early days of this new revolution. Incredible.
If you are a worker in the wireless world, this is one of many areas of real growth. Of course, if you really have some know-how that can be a big opportunity because other industries know little of nothing about wireless. Yet they need to learn and quickly.
Everything we touch will be connected wirelessly. If the manufacturer pays for the connection, we don’t have to worry. If the connection comes from us, then this is something we must pay closer attention to.
Extra charges from Comcast for data usage
Recently I have been charged extra each month for Internet access from Comcast. However, I don’t use any more data than usual so why am I being charged more?
There are many reasons. One is the advertising on the Web sucks up more and more data. Every time I open a Web page to read a news story, suddenly a video commercial opens up in mid-page sucking more data off my plan. I didn’t ask to see this video, but I am being charged to see it in extra charges for data from Comcast.
That’s not only annoying as hell, but it is now costing me money. It’s gobbling up my data. This is a problem many are having. This is a problem that needs a solution.
The advertising community is shooting themselves in the foot with this one. Some day if we have unlimited data it will not be a problem. However, today it is a problem.
What about an unlimited data plan?
Remember the unlimited data plans we all had when the iPhone and Android first hit the streets years ago? These unlimited plans eventually went away, although companies like Sprint still sell them.
Some day all the devices we use and all the data we use will be part of our unlimited monthly plan. However, we are not there today. The limits of wireless spectrum and explosive user growth really crimp the ability for us to get enough of a data plan that these pain in the neck extra charges won’t appear.
Bottom line, as the wireless industry continues to grow and mature, we will see more of what we as customers really want like simplicity and the ability to save money. This is a healthy direction the industry is heading in. Things are much better today than they were just a few years ago. And things will continue getting better going forward.
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