Escape Cell Hell

Ever feel like you are living in a cell hell of dropped calls, dead zones, billing errors, and unexpected fees and charges? Consumers Union is calling on the cell phone industry to deliver better service to consumers. You'll find tips on comparison shopping, information about cell phone safety and how to take action that will result in better wireless phone service.

Be sure to visit HearUsNow.org. HearUsNow.org brings up-to-date information and advice about the media world...from digital TV to Internet privacy to cell phone company mergers. You'll find shopping tips, advice on evaluating service options, ways to complain more effectively, and opportunities to take action on hot communications issues.

More About The Issue

What the AT&T Wireless-Cingular Merger Means for Consumers

Consumers Union and National Consumer Law Center Comments to FCC on NASUCA Fee Petition

Letter to Congress in support of the Wireless 411 Privacy Act

Joint letter in support of AB 1733 - California Opt-in Wireless Directory

CU letter to the FCC on wireless 911 call completion

Summary of California Telecommunications Bill Of Rights
The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved telecommunications consumer protection rules governing telephone and wireless marketing and sales practices.

Consumers Union's comments to the Federal Communications Commission regarding wireless SPAM

Consumer checklist for May 24 - number portability for areas outside of top 100 MSA's

How To Complain about your Wireless Service

CU Fact Sheet on Cell Phone Contracts
CU takes a closer look at cell phone contracts.

CU Fact Sheet On Call Quality
CU takes a closer look at cell phone call quality.

National Association of State Utility Consumers' Advocates FCC Petition On Wireless Billing
Group wants truth in cell phone billing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cell Phone Portability

Consumers Union Letter To The FCC - Handset Portability

Calling All Cell Phone Companies: Collection, Reuse, and Recycling Programs in the US
This INFORM report provides the first in-depth assessment of some of the key collection and reuse programs in the United States.

Cell Phone Companies Respond To Consumers
See how cell phone companies respond to your frustrations (updated)

FCC Wireless Number Portability Fact Sheet for Consumers

FCC Info On Wireless Portability, Including The List Of Top 100 MSA's That Get Portability Nov. 24

Frequently Asked Questions on Local Number Portability (LNP)

Preguntas Frecuentes sobre la Portabilidad de N�meros de Tel�fono Celular

15 Questions to Ask When Shopping for a Wireless Phone
Shopping for wireless phone service could be easier than it is. You can easily check out the calories per serving on food labels, and the costs of one particular credit card versus another--if only it were that easy with cell phones. It's no simple task to compare one wireless phone plan against another. You have to do some homework to get the best deal.

15 Preguntas Para La Compra De Un Servicio Telef�nico Inal�mbrico
La compra de un servicio telef�nico celular debiera ser mucho m�s f�cil de lo que es. El consumidor puede chequear la cantidad de calor�as que tiene un alimento con tan solo ver su etiqueta, o el costo de una tarjeta de cr�dito en particular compar�ndola con otra. Pero todo es mucho m�s complicado con los tel�fonos celulares. Para comparar un plan con otro y obtener la mejor oferta, hay que hacer un verdadero esfuerzo por preguntar e investigar.

Thinking about going totally wireless?
Here are some things you should consider.

Updates

Senate Committee address phone records privacy, but falls short protecting consumers
Panel votes to make "pretexting" illegal, cell phone numbers unlisted

SBC/AT&T and Verizon/MCI mergers end hope for phone competition
New companies will control 90% of regional residential phone, 70% long distance service

Coalition urges open discussions on telecommunications bill
Congress urged to hold public hearings, listen to needs and priorities of citizens

Nearly 38% increase in 2004 wireless phone company complaints
Combined Cingular-AT&T data tops the list of complaints

House testimony: Return to pro-competitive telecom policies
The telecommunications industry is already too consolidated, and further mergers, such as those proposed by SBC-AT&T and Verizon-MCI, would lead to higher prices and lower quality for consumers.

California regulators send consumers back to cell hell
PUC votes to delay implementation of landmark cell phone protections.

Take Action | Newsroom | Learn More | Share Your Story | About the Campaign

Consumers Union Offices: Consumers Union OPI, New York - Washington Office
West Coast Regional Office - Southwest Regional Office - Consumer Policy Institute