Bill Shock
Every year, millions of Americans are forced to pay higher phone bills as the result of a practice known as “bill shock.” “Bill shock” occurs when cell phone customers unexpectedly receive phone bills that are significantly higher than their typical monthly bill. A May 2011 survey by Consumer Reports found that one in five Americans had experienced bill shock. Because of the especially high rate of cell phone usage among African-Americans and Latinos, these communities are especially hard hit by this practice.
It can be difficult for consumers to know when they’re running up a surprisingly high wireless bill. Several major wireless providers have committed to sending customers alerts when they are about to exceed monthly limits on voice, texting and data or if they are going to begin incurring international roaming fees.
Click here for more information on wireless usage alerts.
Civil rights organizations are teaming up with media rights groups to make sure that our communities are protected – by holding industry accountable to the voluntary agreement to curb bill shock and giving our constituents a powerful voice when violations are detected.
BILL SHOCK: FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOWFCC News on Bill ShockRelated NewsAdvocates Warn that FCC Changes on Media Ownership Could Undermine DiversityFebruary 8, 2013 - Posted by Monica We Civil rights advocates are warning that racial and gender disparities in media ownership could be exacerbated by a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposal to relax the rule regulating conglomerate ownership of both newspaper and broadcast media outlets. FCC Announces New Opportunity for Community Groups to Start Low Power FM Radio StationsDecember 5, 2012 - Posted by Beth Sadler The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took another step forward for media justice and diversity with the announcement last week of a new opportunity for community groups to apply for licenses to start local radio stations. Civil Rights Groups and Conservative Leaders Urge FCC to End Practice of Predatory Prison Phone RatesMay 21, 2012 - Posted by Avril Lighty With a joint letter and a press call, civil rights groups and conservative leaders have united to urge the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reform prison phone rates. FCC Considering Reforms to Lifeline Phone Service ProgramDecember 16, 2011 - Posted by Cheryl Leanza The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently considering changes and reforms to the federal Lifeline program which helps millions of Americans receive affordable telephone service. FCC Overlooks Needs of Low-Income AmericansNovember 2, 2011 - Posted by Corrine Yu With key decisions regarding reform of the Universal Service Fund (USF) now behind it, the Federal Communications Commission is facing pressure from civil rights advocates to quickly turn its attention to the needs of low-income consumers. Proposed FCC Rule Seeks to Boost Community Radio Serving Urban AreasJuly 13, 2011 - Posted by Ron Bigler The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) yesterday proposed a new rule that will expand opportunities for local community radio stations to broadcast on FM airwaves in urban areas. Advocates Urge Increased Broadband Access for Minority CommunitiesApril 25, 2011 - Posted by Avril Lighty A coalition of national civil rights and labor organizations sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) urging swift action to broaden the reach of broadband access as an economic imperative for minorities. Congress Passes Bill to Increase Number of Low Power FM StationsDecember 20, 2010 - Posted by Tyler Lewis The Local Community Radio Act, which will help increase the number of low power FM (LPFM) stations in the United States, is poised to become law following passage in the House of Representatives on Friday and passage in the Senate on Saturday. AP Appoints Sonya Ross as First Race/Ethnicity/Demographics EditorOctober 6, 2010 - Posted by Scott Simpson The Associated Press (AP) recently appointed veteran journalist Sonya Ross to be the organization's first-ever race, ethnicity, and demographics editor. The new position comes at a time when sophisticated reporting by and about racial minority communities is not keeping up with the pace of their growth. National Broadband Plan Vital to Closing Digital Divide, FCC Tells Senate CommitteeApril 19, 2010 - Posted by The Leadership Conference At a Senate Commerce Committee hearing last week, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski testified that the FCC's recently unveiled National Broadband Plan is critical to bridging the digital divide that disproportionately affects rural communities, low-income families, minorities, seniors, tribal communities, and Americans with disabilities. |
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