Text may be king, but wireless carriers are pushing Internet fees

For all the bells and whistles on cell phones these days, text messaging is the most popular feature for users. And while many are upgrading to phones that have full keyboards and wider screens to text more easily, they aren't necessarily interested in using their phones to access the Web, according to research analysts. That has some customers unhappy that they are increasingly required to buy data plans.

Joel Kelsey, an policy analyst at Consumers Union, said the fees show that wireless providers are moving toward bundling services, much like the cable and telephone industries do with broadband, paid television and phone service. The bundles can be good for consumers who are looking to use multiple communications services at a discount. But additional charges and fees for things like wireless data aren't explained and, in the case for some customers, are unwanted.