$10 unlimited data plan?

According to AOL Mobile: "$85,000 Cell Phone Bill No joke: A Canadian man was hit with an $85,000 cell phone bill after buying a new phone and what he thought was a $10 unlimited data plan. While Piotr Staniaszek imagined that tethering the phone to his laptop and downloading to his hearts delight was kosher, wireless carrier Bell Mobility had other ideas.

The service provider informed the oil worker that using the phone as a modem was not covered under his plan, and it proceeded to charge him on a per-kilobyte basis. As a token of "goodwill," the company eventually lowered the bill to only $3,243. Something tells us Staniaszek wasn't impressed by the evil corporate discount..."


Wow! I'm always amazed at how many people want to get something for nothing--or who fail to understand their limitations and responsibilities in contacts. Despite that lawyers write contacts with too much confusing legalese, consumers can become informed. It only takes a few well-planned questions.


"What is covered on "a $10 unlimited data plan"? What is specfically exluded?"

"Can I hook my cell phone to my laptop and use the phone like a modem?"

I'm sure Bell Mobility would have answered, avoiding any possible misconceptions.


Moral of this story: Ask every question you might have before signing a contract and paying your money. Then, call companies with any questions that come to mind later.


Here's a useful link for anyone who drives and owns a cell:

Cell Phone Driving Laws by State


Judith