Blog
Evolv-ing towards what?
Brace yourself: the days when we can stare mindlessly at our computer screens, or get up ten times to go to the bathroom to stave off the 3pm sleepcall, or pick our noses in the sanctity of our offices, may be over for good. The ever-present, ubiquitous…
Take the pledge: I won’t text and drive
The It Can Wait initiative focuses on educating people – especially teens – about the dangers of texting and driving. The message is simple, yet vital: When it comes to texting and driving, it can wait. As we come up to the Labor Day…
Mobile data tops voice for first time
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), an association representing the high tech manufacturers and suppliers of information and communications technology, finds in its 2013 ICT Market Review & Forecast that U.S. wireless data spending…
Unfair wireless taxes irk consumers
Between federal, state and local taxes and fees, American wireless consumers are paying nearly two and a half times more in taxes and fees (17.1%) than the average sales tax rate (7.3%) applied to other taxable goods and services. And unfortunately, taxes…
ETFs and domestic violence victims
Most major wireless carriers charge "early termination fees" (ETFs) when customers cancel cell phone contracts. Typically, postpaid (as opposed to prepaid) wireless contracts lock customers into one or two year contracts in return for a free or deeply…
Tips
To protect yourself if your phone is stolen, ask your wireless providers how to access applications that can lock, locate and erase data from stolen phones.
Some carriers send text alerts as you approach your service limits or once you begin incurring overage charges.
During natural disasters or widespread emergencies, wireless voice networks can be overwhelmed, and text messages to loved ones have a higher likelihood of getting through.
By July 1, 2012, the wireless industry will launch an education campaign for consumers on the safe use of smartphones.
Data usage is measured in kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB) rather than minutes. There are 1,024 KB in 1 MB, and 1,024 MB in 1 GB.
© 2011 - 2012 Consumer Action.