UCAN services
UCAN's Fraud Squad is currently offering a full range of service to our members and San Diego residents. At this time, the Fraud Squad can still assist you with a dispute with SDG&E, City of San Diego water department, and San Diego telecom companies. Feel free to fill out our online complaint form and we will contact you if we can assist with your issue.
AT&T Raising Its Smartphone Data Plan Rates
AT&T announced this week that its smartphone data plan prices are going up. Starting on January 22, AT&T’s $15 data plan becomes its $20 data plan and AT&T’s $25 data plan becomes its $30 data plan.
The Lack of Choice - Wireless carriers make it difficult to change service providers
One of the greatest things about this country is the availability of choice. Want a breakfast cereal? You can choose from a multitude at your local grocery store. A loaf of bread? White or wheat no longer cut it--now, the more grains you have the better. 5? 10? 15? The grain sky is the limit. The ability for consumers to choose can be a good thing as long as there is actual choice. However, when we look at certain consumer areas--cell phone providers, for example--the actual ability to choose a specific provider is a limited one. The culprit? The early termination fee.
The Case of the Missing Plan - T-Mobile's Phantom Even More Plus Plan
And now, for T-Mobile's next trick, making an entire prepaid cell phone plan disappear! But where did the plan really go? Was it a trick or all part of another devious plan? Time to put on our sleuth hats, boys and girls, for this is the case of the missing plan.
Fun TOS - Verizon's right to cancel your contract and dump you
Here at UCAN, when we aren’t out escorting little old ladies across the street and saving kittens from burning trees, we like to read the terms of service of the various telecom companies. You mean you don’t read every single word and understand it before signing your life away? Well, we do, so read on to see how our nerdiness can work out to your benefit.
Get out of your T-Mobile contract for free! (maybe) - T-Mobile raising its Canadian text message rates
As any good running back knows, you need to exploit any weakness in the defense. In football, this means the smallest opening in the defensive line could mean a game-winning touchdown. In the realm of cell phone service contracts, a small rate change could be the opening you need to get out of your seemingly impenetrable contract. T-Mobile just might be the next cell phone company to give up a touch down.
No ETFs for Breaking Sprint Contract Due to New $4.99 Monthly Charge
Sprint is charging a new monthly fee called the $4.99 Account Spending Limit charge.
Verizon Wireless raises Early Termination Fees (ETFs) on Smartphones, Blackberrys, and Netbooks
Early Termination Fees continue to be an issue of contention between consumers, the wireless industry, and regulators. This time it’s Verizon Wireless who has caused a stir by creating a $350 Early Termination Fee for “advanced devices.”
Unsolicited or SPAM Text Messages
Check out UCAN's new consumer resource to help prevent unsolicited or SPAM text messages!
T-Mobile begins charging $1.50 per month to receive a paper bill
T-Mobile begins charging all customers $1.50 for the privilege of receiving your bill in the mail. Oh by the way if you were already paying $1.99 for the privilege of receiving a detailed bill the $1.50 will be added to that total. Are they also going to start sending it postage due?
UPDATE: Sept. 11, 2009 - T-mobile has withdrawn the $1.50 billing charge.
Utility Consumers' Action Network - (619) 696-6966
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UCAN.org is made available by the Utility Consumers' Action Network to assist you in becoming what you always knew you could be: a consumer ROCK STAR! We take no corporate money, and are beholden only to you, the consumer. As such, the site is here for educational, advocacy, and empowerment purposes, as well to to give you general information and a general understanding of the law. Just remember this site is NOT here to provide specific legal advice. By using this web site you of course understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Web Site publisher, UCAN. The Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.
That said, get to digging on the site, inform yourself, speak your mind, and earn Watchdog Bones! This is YOUR site, and we mean it. So comment on any of the content, discuss the latest issues in the forums, file a complaint on a company with the Fraud Squad, and generally cut loose.
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