I am sure some of you have seen the following e-mail and it goes something like this:

Subject: Here is something worth knowing if you have a mobile phone

Have you ever wondered why phone companies don’t seem interested in trying to prevent the theft of mobile phones? If you have ever lost, or had one stolen, andif you are on a plan, you still have to pay the plan approximately up to 24 months, and you have to buy another handset and enter into another
contract. This is more revenue for the phone company.

There is a simple way of making lost or stolen mobiles useless to
thieves and the phone companies know about it, but keep it quiet.

To check your mobile phone’s serial number, key in the following on your phone:

star-hash-zero-six-hash ( * # 0 6 # ) and a fifteen digit code will appear on the screen. This is unique to your handset.

Write it down and keep it safe. Should your mobile phone get stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset, so even if the thief changes the sim card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won’t get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can’t use/sell it either. If everybody did this, there would be no point in stealing mobile phones. You may want to send this to as many people with mobiles as possible. No charge for directory assistance. Phone companies are charging us $1.00 or more for 411- information calls when they don’t have to.When you need to use the 411 / information option!, simply dial 1-800-FREE-411 or 1 800 373 3411 without incurring a charge.Works on home phones and cellphones.

Cognigen Cellular Best Coverage with Best Plans.    Cash back on offers from today’s leading carriers such as T-Mobile, Nextel, Sprint, Cingular and more! The only wireless shop offering every carrier to be sure you find the best coverage and rate plans for you.

Well, this is somewhat false. As I stated before in another post about cell phone myths, please visit snopes.com.

You will ifnd this particular myth at Snopes.

This entry was posted on 11/8/2006 10:14 PM and is filed under Photos Transferred to DVD Blogs.

Yes, there are more charges to look for on your bill.
I know, they get you coming and going.

Other Charges

Universal Service Fund (USF) Charge – Because telephones provide a vital link to emergency services, government services, and surrounding communities, the federal government promotes telephone service to all households. The USF helps to make phone service affordable and available to all Americans, including consumers with low incomes, those living in areas where the cost of providing telephone service is high, schools and libraries, and rural health care providers. Congress has mandated that all telephone companies providing interstate service must contribute to the USF. Although not required to do so by the government, many carriers choose to pass their USF contribution costs on to their customers in the form of a line item, often called the “Federal Universal Service Fee” or “Universal Connectivity Fee.”

Directory Assistance – Some local directory assistance providers may allow a minimum number of requests before charges are incurred. Some long distance carriers also provide directory assistance, usually for a fee, to their customers.

Calling Plan Monthly Fee – A monthly fee customers pay to subscribe to a phone company’s plan which generally offers long distance rates lower than a company’s “basic rates” (often a company’s highest rates).

“Single Bill” Fees – Some carriers charge a monthly fee for combining local and long distance charges onto one bill. This fee is not mandated by the FCC and is not an FCC charge. Some phone companies waive the fee for customers who pay bills online or by credit card. Also, consumers may avoid the “single bill fee” by arranging for separate billing from their long distance carrier.

“Low-Volume User” Fee – A monthly fee from your long distance carrier for low volume toll calling.

Operator Assisted Calls – A charge for a call that was connected by an operator. The carrier determines the cost. Rates for these calls tend to be higher than for unassisted calls.

Non-Primary Lines – Second or additional telephone lines connecting a consumer’s residence to the telephone network are non-primary lines. Any additional line billed to the same residential address is considered a non-primary line, subject to a higher federal subscriber line charge, even if the bill is sent to a different name at the same address.

Now that you have a better idea of what charges should appear on you traditional telephone bill, hopefully you will be better equipped to discover fraud and abuse. If you need help or advice please contact the FCC at their toll free number or contact a Telecommunications or Information Technology Consultant. Most will answer these questions for free.