5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • FAQs
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • Wireless Design
  • Learn
    • 5G Videos
    • Ebooks
    • EE Training Days
    • FAQs
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars/Digital Events
  • Handbooks
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Resources
    • Design Guide Library
    • EE World Digital Issues
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • Engineering Training Days
    • LEAP Awards
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

FCC, CTIA Debut Voluntary Bill Shock Alerts

By Staff Author | October 17, 2011

Subscribers will get real-time alerts when they’re about to hit their monthly limit for voice, data, SMS and international roaming under voluntary guidelines announced today by the FCC, CTIA and Consumers Union.

The FCC has put its proposed bill shock regulations on hold as wireless operators work to adopt the new standards.

However, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said the agency would take a “trust but verify approach” and will monitor carriers to make sure the alerts are being provided as promised. The bill shock proceeding is being kept open in case operators don’t comply with the guidelines.

“This solution will give consumers the information they need to save money on their monthly wireless bills,” Genachowski said during a press conference. Unexpected charges can be particularly burdensome to consumers during difficult economic times, he said.

The policies will go into effect within 12 to 18 months. The free alerts will be automatic and won’t require customers to opt in.

CTIA’s board of directors approved the usage notification guidelines during a meeting at the trade group’s fall conference last week, said CTIA President and CEO Steve Largent.

Largent said the voluntary rules helped the industry avoid “excessive government regulations.”

About one in five subscribers have had unexpected charges on their wireless bill during the past year, according to estimates from Consumers Union. Some wireless operators such as AT&T, Sprint and U.S. Cellular already offer the alerts.

Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, will create a website with the FCC where subscribers can report any problems with the alert system.


Filed Under: Carriers

 

Next Article

← Previous Article
Next Article →

Related Articles Read More >

eSIM
eSIM eases changing carriers for phones and IoT
QoE and QoS comparison
Benchmarking in 5G: More important than ever
iPhone 12
I bought a 5G phone, now what?
6G
Key takeaways from 6G Symposium

Featured Contributions

  • Overcome Open RAN test and certification challenges
  • Wireless engineers need AI to build networks
  • Why AI chips need PCIe 7.0 IP interconnects
  • circuit board timing How timing and synchronization improve 5G spectrum efficiency
  • Wi-Fi 7 and 5G for FWA need testing
More Featured Contributions

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: Internet of Things
Explore practical strategies for minimizing attack surfaces, managing memory efficiently, and securing firmware. Download now to ensure your IoT implementations remain secure, efficient, and future-ready.

EE LEARNING CENTER

EE Learning Center
“5g
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

Engineering Training Days

engineering
“bills
5G Technology World
  • Enews Signup
  • EE World Online
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Analogic Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • Engineer’s Garage
  • EV Engineering
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy

Search 5G Technology World