Cell Phone Carriers May Not Fence in Users for Long

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  a.sparkly.gem07/09/08 Report as spam
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  Finally consumer protection!

  It was not until I left the US that I realized how unsatisfactory cell phone carriers treat customers. Experiencing many of the things mentioned in the article first hand, I can attest to the utter frustration in dealing with cell phone companies. Over the years I have been with every carrier, and I have been content with none. I am glad to see the FCC making strides to step in (I also complained to the FCC) to protect consumers from cell phone companies doing whatever it takes to make a buck. Consumerism is rampant in the US, but that is no reason for companies to exploit their customers. The statistic of low SMS use is a bit surprising, but then again, the carrier charges for EVERYTHING, so what incentives are there?? Yes, I'm ranting, but I'm relieved that cell phone companies finally have to hustle to gain and keep customers.

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  spettis07/09/08 Report as spam
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  RE: Cell Phone Carriers May Not Fence in Users for Long

  The "termination fee" is really not a real "fee" that cell phone providers want to charge. It mainly is a deterrent to prevent you (or us) clients from "phone hopping" from one carrier to the next. Imagine going out and buying a car, and only paying a monthly note for "any" new car. One month, you drive a BMW. The next Mercedes, the next Lexus. The auto manufacturers would drive themselves crazy to keep up with the competition to provide the "best automortive experience" out there so they sign you into a purchase or lease agreement for a number of months at a certain rate (for THEIR product of course). Of course you could "sell" your car and "buy" a new one, but who wants to go through all of the hassle?
  
  Let's all remember some client retention is based upon the "strong willingness to leave" factor. That normally is most of our objection we recieve when trying to sell to a new client.

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  mmccomber07/10/08 Report as spam
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  RE: Cell Phone Carriers May Not Fence in Users for Long

  I keep my phone off contract as long as possible, and will probably purchase an unlocked phone (of compatible variety) going forward. This industry cries out for more regulation or at least a good long and hard look.