How to be a Smart Phone Consumer
Check out the links on this page to learn about ways to become a more knowledgeable and less frustrated phone consumer.
Defend basic phone service, demand accountability
Phone rates have gone up by as much as 600% in the last 3 years and the CPUC wants to let phone companies have unlimited rate increases. Take action to demand affordable phone service for all Californians.
Your phone could become pay to play!
TURN CONSUMER ALERT: Unlimited local calling threatened. Phone companies want to end unlimited local calling, charge for incoming calls, charge for calls to 800 numbers and even charge for calls received from telemarketers.
Avoid Paying Additional Utility Deposits
Dear Consumer Advisor,
On top of the sky high utility bills I pay every month, my utility has informed me that I am required to pay a deposit of $200 in order to continue receiving service. I've been a customer for years and was never asked for a deposit. I don't understand why all of a sudden they are demanding such a large sum of money. How did they come up with the amount of the required deposit? What's going on?
NEW! Freedom From Telemarketers—It’s Easier Than Ever Before!
Over 157 million consumers depend on the Do-Not-Call list to keep annoying telemarketers away. Those consumers can now enjoy more freedom from telemarketers than before. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which administers the list, has announced it will be extended indefinitely.
The Repairperson No-Show
Is there a rule or a law that requires electric utilities and local phone companies to show up for repairs when they say they will?
How to Reach an Actual Human at Your Utility Company
Dear Consumer Advisor,
I get so frustrated every time I have to call my utility company! The phone menu rarely offers what I want and never seems to lead to a real live human being. Is there any way to avoid the endless phone menu and connect with someone who can actually help me?
Sincerely,
Wanna Person
Wirepro: A Goldmine for AT&T, A Waste of Money for Most Consumers.
TURN advises consumers to think twice about the cost of Wirepro, which have recently gone up. Inside wire rarely break. For most customers, inside wire insurance is not worth the money, especially at $7.00 per month.
Is Bundled Service Right For Me?
Dear Consumer Advisor,
What is bundled service, and why is AT&T constantly sending me glossy advertisements for it? ? Do I have to buy a package of services from them, and will it be cheaper if I do?
Signed,
Happily Unbundled
To Bundle Or Not To Bundle—cable TV, Internet and phone service
Dear Consumer Advisor,
I’m thinking about bundling my telephone and internet services with my cable service. By bundling I will get just one bill for multiple services. But how do I decide which is the best service for me and what do you do if I have a complaint?
Protect Public Safety and 9-1-1 Service
Demand a NO vote: Protect 911 emergency service access. Tell the governor to reject SB-1375, AT&T sponsored legislation that could shut off emergency access completely to those without a landline phone.
New Rate Option May Lower Phone Bill
by Sue Kwon, CBS 5 Consumer Watch
February 8th, 2010
by Sue Kwon, CBS 5 Consumer Watch
February 8th, 2010
Phone bills are skyrocketing, Mark Toney advises consumers to complain so that public officials know we something done.
Roaming charges for Internet use bring $16,379 bill
by Tanya Sierra, San Diego Union Tribune
January 29th, 2010
by Tanya Sierra, San Diego Union Tribune
January 29th, 2010
TURN tells the San Diego Tribune that high data charges are all-too-familiar, and warns that cell carriers don't give customers courtesy calls similar to credit cards or banks before letting the charges accrue.
