Washington, D.C. – The Federal Communications Commission today announced that approximately 97 percent of wireless customers across the nation are now protected from bill shock as participating U.S. wireless companies have met an April 17 deadline to provide free, automatic alerts to customers who
approach or exceed their wireless plan limits. A recent FCC survey found that 30 million Americans – or one in six wireless users – have experienced bill shock.

Bill shock is a sudden and unexpected increase in monthly wireless bills that happens when consumers’unknowingly exceeding plan limits for voice, data and text. Bill shock can also happen when consumers travel abroad and get hit with unexpected international roaming charges.

“This milestone is a clear win for consumers,” said Chairman Julius Genachowski. “These text alerts will
allow consumers to enjoy the benefits of mobile without unexpected hits to their wallets.”

In October 2011, Chairman Genachowski announced a new program that would provide free alerts for wireless consumers as they approach monthly voice, data and text limits, and after those limits have been exceeded. Chairman Genachowski was joined by CTIA-The Wireless Association.

As of the April 17, 2013 deadline, participating members of CTIA are voluntarily providing free, automatic usage-based alerts when they approach or exceed plan limits for data, voice, and text, or when international roaming charges may be applied.

As part of its continuing consumer education mission, the FCC yesterday held a public Consumer Workshop to address bill shock as well as cramming, the practice of placing unauthorized, misleading or deceptive charges on telephone bills. The workshop helped to educate consumers about how to protect
themselves from both of these problems, and included a discussion of policies addressing these issues.

Also, the FCC updated its Bill Shock Web Portal to give consumers at-a-glance status of carriers’reported compliance on bill shock alerts. (Visit the Web page at FCC.gov/bill-shock-alerts.) The Bill Shock Web Portal offers links to participating carrier websites, meeting commitments from last year’s
agreement with CTIA and Consumers Union to clearly disclose policies and tools regarding usage balances and alerts.