Consumers Union wants more transparency on wireless charges

AT&T and Verizon haven't done enough to notify customers about recent changes to their wireless subscription agreements, according to a letter from Consumers Union.

The nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports wrote to the chief executives of both firms along with Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski urging them to step up their efforts to inform customers about the changes to their wireless plans. “In light of the tough economic times many consumers are facing, these companies need to provide greater transparency in, and disclosure of, these new plans and terms of service,” said policy counsel Parul Desai. According to Consumers, AT&T has dropped two limited text messaging plans, leaving customers with the option of paying $10 a month for 1000 messages or $20 a month for unlimited texts. AT&T is also cutting off its upgrade discount program, which gave customers $50 to $100 off a new phone every two years.