Man Gets an $85,000 Cell Phone Bill for Modem Use
Fri Dec 14, 2007 12:01PM EST
See Comments (359)
We've seen $3,000 cell phone bills. We've seen $10,000 cell phone bills. But now we've got a bill that's approaching six figures, as a Canadian man has been hit with an $85,000 invoice.
And no, it's not a computer error.
Piotr Staniaszek had been using his cell phone as a modem for his computer, thinking he was covered under his $10-a-month unlimited mobile browser plan from Canadian telco Bell Mobility. He actually caught the bill at $65,000. When he called to complain, he was told that it had hit $85,000 for the use since the bill was mailed.
The likely problem is that Staniaszek got understandably confused about what his recently signed $10 data plan covered. Such plans often cover data use on the phone itself (such as texting or using the built-in browser on the phone), but not when it's used as a modem with a PC. (Without going into extreme detail, the connection types are different, and the phone company can tell the difference between the two types of traffic.) Bell Mobility has dropped the bill to just $3,243, but Staniaszek is still fighting it. (Of course.)
Staniaszek also notes that the phone company should have notified him when charges started to spiral out of control; previously he'd gotten a call when he racked up a mere $100 in charges on his old data plan. Now his bill climbs into the thousands and no one bats an eye. I'd be peeved, too.
Remember that all cell phone plans are not created equally, and "data" has numerous definitions. Before you connect your phone to your computer, make sure you understand the charges you're setting yourself up for, and check your usage on your phone company's website periodically (especially if you're using your phone for something new) so that you don't get slapped with any financial surprises.
Comments on Man Gets an $85,000 Cell Phone Bill for Modem Use
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2 Posted by matt_archbold2002 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:11PM EDT Report Abuse
Do any of these bills for thousands of dollars ever get paid in full? I mean, I know I dont have 4,000 dollars sitting around for a high phone bill let alone 85,000 dollars.
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3 Posted by alwaysasyouwill on Fri Dec 14, 2007 5:12PM EST Report Abuse
Regardless of whether he read the actual details of the contract or not in reference to "device as modem use", common sense (at times a rarity with wireless providers, let alone a majority of the industries customer service) is more than blatant that someone from Bell Whomever should've notified Staniaszek of the canyon of debt he was unknowingly throwing himself into. And a tad over $3,000 is a "good gesture"? Word to the wise--*read* your contracts carefully and *always* ask questions when need be. Best (opinion) data and inexpensive carrier network to jump onto? Sprint.
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4 Posted by skynetsrini on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:26PM EDT Report Abuse
If they can cut off 82000 i feel something is goofy out there. No company can allow this much credit and give this sort of *discount*.
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5 Posted by artank@verizon.net on Sat Dec 15, 2007 11:55AM EST Report Abuse
I agree with comment no.5, that they are price gouging to provided data service. Just last month, I had paid my cell phone bill, which on an average is about $73-$76 total (including surcharges and taxes). After I made a phone payment, a balance of zero was confirmed. The following day, as I have done every month, went to check my automated account status. The balance of $4785.00 had been added to my account. Ofcourse, I automatically thought...Big error here! I had the same service for almost 12 months and never had this problem before. In September 07, I purchased the newest phone with the same service provider. I bought it for fashion and not really for its features. In the store, the service rep showing me what the phone could do, had problems even downloading a single page from the service provider's website. It took almost 1 hour just to see 1 page. From that point, I knew it was just another over rated phone, and I would not be using the internet features. Even if I did use it for only 15 minutes per day, do these service providers think the amount they charge in a 30-day calender month is worth $4000? I called my service provider immediately and asked them to explain the charges. Their response? "Oh, you were using your phone to access the internet or used your phone as a modem." Boy were they wrong.I never used my phone in this way, since that day with the in-store service rep. With identity theft at its highest levels, I was more concerned about my identity, since they could not explain how those charges were incurred. And, why isn't there an alert system when daily incurring charges go beyond my average monthly expense? Even most credit cards will provide that service. After about being on the phone for almost 2 hours, with 3 non-helpful service reps, that refused to let me just speak to a supervisor or manager of that department, I finally got connected to someone with authority, who was able to at least promise to investigate my situation and provide a returned phone call with the outcome. Less than 24 hours later, they tell me that they reduced my bill to $162 as a courtesy, still 50% more than my average bill. How was that courtesy, and who eats those charges that were so easily reduced? Is there really a service phone provider that can provide quality service and protection from a mishap like this? I don't think so. Think this service provider maybe one you want to try? If two merging service providers can not get it together as one...it does not look promising. Great job... together with ...!
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6 Posted by tymtagz13 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:26PM EDT Report Abuse
Forget that Dumbass. He will not with his fight, they nocked of 82 grand and they didnt have to. If the 85 grand would have went to court the company would have won. read the contract and don't be stupid
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7 Posted by john100silver on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:38PM EDT Report Abuse
YEAH... how about a story following this... Lets track if it gets paid or if the company just cuts the bill way the heck down... Please keep this story going so we can see it unfold...
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8 Posted by ffviii_lionheart on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:59PM EDT Report Abuse
I say he go get a BMW or Benz for his Christmas. haha
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9 Posted by flash_269 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:00PM EDT Report Abuse
boy I sure do love Verizon wireless. Y well if u want to do something like that u have to get a Feature to do that and it only cost about $79 per month depending on phone and other features you have.. now how sweet it that.look at your plans before you try something new. if he was on Verizon Wireless he would not have been able to connect in that way.
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10 Posted by springofexpression on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:37PM EDT Report Abuse
Where did these charges come from? No telephone or internet service should cost that much. Though if it does, it needs to be spelled out and the customer should be forewarned.
1 Posted by rogueist on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:49PM EDT Report Abuse
Yep - do that with AT&T and the same thing will happen. Use T-Mobile instead. They seem to have their act together.