FCC SET TO APPROVE RULES REQUIRING CARRIERS TO NOTIFY USERS WHEN THEY ARE ABOUT TO GO OVER LIMITS

The FCC has apparently heard enough complaints and horror stories from consumers about the billing practices of mobile carriers, at least where it pertains to excessive overage charges.  The FCC is taking aim at the unexpected surcharges carriers charge when consumers unknowingly stray from their geographical boundaries or monthly allowance.  Back in May the FCC setup the Consumer Task Force, charged with finding a solution to this problem.  The task force returned an obvious solution: have carriers notify consumers if their usage will cause surcharges to be added to their bill.  They recommend that carriers use a text or voice message to alert consumers.  AT&T already does this for iPad users, so applying this on a larger scale should not be an undo burden on carriers. [Engadget]