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2.6 Billion Robo-Calls Later, Why Won’t Rachel from Cardholder Services Just Go Away?

Annoying calls from "Rachel from Cardholder Services" persist despite the government's attempts to silence her.

How to Get the Government to Cover Your Cell Phone Bill(s)

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Last year, a federal program paid out $1.6 billion to cover free cell phones and the monthly bills of 12.5 million wireless accounts. The program, overseen by the FCC and intended to help low-income Americans, is popular for obvious reasons. But observers complain that the program suffers from poor oversight.

Price Hike for iPhones, iPads: Data Plans from AT&T Are About to Cost More

Updated: Thursday, 3:35 p.m. AT&T just announced that new data plans for smartphones and tablets will “give customers more data and value.” That’s true, technically. It’s also true that when the new data plan pricing system takes effect starting this Sunday, wireless bills for new AT&T customers will cost more.

Verizon Wireless to Charge $2 for Some Online Payments

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Updated: 6:45 p.m., Dec. 30. Why should banks have all the fun? We can only imagine that’s what Verizon Wireless executives asked themselves before deciding to hit customers with a $2 fee — for paying their bill via a one-time payment on the carrier’s website. Angry customers have taken to the Internet to flood social [...]

Is That a Debt Collector Trying to Call Your Cell?

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The debt-collection industry has launched a push to modernize the laws that govern how they do business and what they’re allowed to do, and new legislation under consideration in Congress would give them the right to do so if passed.

Would You Rather Pay for AT&T’s $20 Monthly Text Plan or Text All You Want for Free?

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This is not a trick question. But it’s one that AT&T, by trimming its text plan options to two—unlimited for $20 monthly, or a la carte texts at 20¢ apiece—is forcing customers to ask themselves.

Paying by Phone Is Riskier Than You Think

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Technological advances have given consumers an increasing number of ways to pay for goods and services using their mobile phone. Some tools let you charge things directly to your cell phone bill. But beware of the serious risks involved.

Comcast’s Internet Essentials: $10-a-Month Service for Low-Income Families

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If you live in an area served by Comcast and your kids receive free lunches at school through the National School Lunch Program, you may qualify for a new Internet service from Comcast, which costs just $9.95 a month.

Simple Hacks to Cut Your Cell Phone Bill in Half

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How much do cell phones really cost? Here’s one indication: The average household pays $350 annually—solely for wireless taxes and fees.

Two Promising Telecoms with 5%-Plus Yields

The spectacular success of Apple’s iPhone is spilling over to the telecoms that provide wireless service – particularly the two giants in the business, AT&T and Verizon. This gives rise to an excellent opportunity for long-term investors, since both stocks provide generous yields of 5.2% or  more.

Is AT&T’s First Prepaid Smartphone a Good Deal?

No long-term contract is required on the LG Thrive, which AT&T will begin selling in mid-April. The upsides here are that there users are charged for actual usage—not via a steady monthly bill—and there are no worries about early termination fees. As for other charges associated with the phone, there are plenty.