FCC, Wireless Companies to announce self-regulatory Bill Shock program

Apparently, the Federal Communications Commission and major wireless carriers will jointly announce an industry-led program to warn consumers when they are reaching monthly limits on voice, texting and data services and incurring international roaming fees. Analysts see the voluntary program as a victory for the wireless industry, which has lobbied against an FCC proposal that would have created a federal rule requiring the companies to help consumers avoid surprises in their cellphone bills.

On October 17, the FCC and trade group CTIA are expected to announce that wireless providers covering 97 percent of users have agreed to provide consumers with overage alerts. Warnings for four categories covered — voice, text, data and international roaming — will be implemented by April 17, 2013. Although the FCC may not close the door completely on its regulatory proposal, some consumer advocates say self-policing by the industry won’t protect consumers. “Asking the uncompetitive wireless industry to self-police itself is like asking an addict to self-medicate,” said Joel Kelsey, a policy analyst at public interest group Free Press. “The FCC is charged by Congress to protect consumers, and they should use their authority to write a rule that puts an end to $16,000 monthly cell phone bills.”