WASHINGTON — Federal regulators are considering rules that would require wireless-phone companies to alert consumers before they reach roaming or data-usage limits on their wireless plans.
The Federal Communications Commission says it is seeking input on ways to head off “bill shock,” which it describes as “the experience of getting an unexpectedly high wireless-phone bill.” The FCC says it has received hundreds of complaints from across the country involving all the major carriers.
The agency is considering following the lead of the European Union, which requires wireless companies to send a text message to customers who are running up roaming charges or approaching caps on data usage.
The effort, being spearheaded by the FCC’s new Consumer Task Force, is part of a broader push at the commission to enact strong consumer-protection measures across the telecommunications industry.
Last summer, the FCC opened an inquiry into so-called “truth-in-billing” rules, which require phone companies to clearly describe charges on customer bills. As part of that inquiry, the agency has been looking into whether the largest wireless companies give customers adequate notice about early-termination fees for breaking a service contract.
Separately, the FCC is examining whether broadband providers deliver Internet connections that actually reach advertised speeds.
