Surprise $2,000 Phone Bills Add to Scrutiny of Verizon, AT&T

The Federal Communications Commission may make it mandatory for carriers to warn customers before they get hit with high bills. Next week, the agency will consider requiring companies to alert customers when they approach limits on their contracts.

Carriers including Verizon Wireless have fought against such requirements, saying they already give customers ways to monitor their usage. The CTIA, the wireless industry association, has resisted the idea of legislation, saying it will cause "customer confusion and frustration" and that carriers already offer customers ways to control their usage. Subscribers can check their usage with online monitors or via text message.