Resolving A Disputed Cell Phone Bill

Hi,
The first thing we encounter when we call the cell phone company is that we have to navigate through an extensive electronic maze before reaching a customer service representative. After going through an excellent security screening process, we are cleared to discuss our account concerns with a representative. As soon as the itemized call detail is accessed, we realize numerous calls have been charged to our phones which were not made by us. The representative accommodates us and solves the problem by issuing us an immediate credit for the amount of the disputed charges. We then request that in the future, we are sent an itemized call detail with every bill. We are left with the impression that the billing mistakes are an isolated incident, and that we won't have to worry about our cell phone bill anymore. Thirty days later our second cell phone bill arrives. We are disappointed that no credit was given on the bill, and in fact, the amount of the credit shows up as past due. As we investigate further, we see that the any time minutes were not exceeded. However, there are mysterious $9.99 charges on three of the phones. Tomorrow, it's round two with the phone carrier.
Until then,
Alan

Experiencing Our First Cell Phone Bill

Hi,
After enjoying our new cell phones for the past thirty days, the inevitable first bill arrives in the mail. When we see the amount due on the cell phone bill we are surprised that it is considerably higher than the amount we budgeted for based upon the monthly charge in our contract. The first significant charges to our bill that we are not prepared for are the taxes, surcharges and fees. For example, in Seattle, Washington, on a plan with five phones, that has a basic monthly plan costing $144.00, additional surcharges and fees include:
1) Government fees and taxes
a) Seattle City sales tax services and usage $3.15
b) Washington State sales tax, service and usage $8.91
c) Washington State wireless 911: $1.00
d) King County wireless 911: $2.50
2) Surcharges and Fees:
a) Seattle City utility users surcharge: $6.35
b) Washington State B&O tax surcharge: 0.58
c) Federal USF non-LD surcharge: $2.45
d) Federal wireless number pooling and portability: 0.75
e) Federal E911 charge: $2.00
For a grand total of $27.69
As we delve further into our bill, we notice that our any time minutes limit has been exceeded by over 300 minutes. No one using the plan thinks that he or she exceeded the limit.
Tomorrow, our first conversation with the phone carrier.
Until then,
Alan

Signing A Cell Phone Contract

Hi,
Signing a cell phone contract is generally a two year commitment. This is why it is imperative that we find the right one for us. After doing our due diligence, and narrowing down the companies that we think will suit us the best, we're prepared to talk to sales representatives. It is important to remember that they may be very aggressive, and it is hard to gather information from them without making a purchase. In order for salespeople to assist us in getting what we want, we need to disclose our needs:
1) How many anytime minutes (usually calculated between 7:00 am - 7:00 pm Monday through Friday) we need
2) Number of phones with unlimited text messaging
3) Whether roaming charges are a factor in the plan
4) Whether any phones will need Internet access
5) Whether any phones need to be camera phones
After we've gathered our information, are aware of any local promotions, and have an idea of the costs of the contracts, we're in a position to select a carrier and receive our phones. When we are ready to sign a contract, we need to make sure that we read all the terms and conditions. Also, we need to make sure that any in store discounts offered at the time of sale are in writing, and cover the term of the contract. Doing our homework prior to signing a contract will help us feel confident about our plan. Tomorrow I'm going to talk about our first cell phone bill.
Until then,
Alan