the Informer

Courtesy of Ackermannwire.com

What began as a flaw in the phone software at Verizon Wireless ended up incorrectly charging mobile phone users fees ranging from $2 to $6 dollars effectively reaching over 15 million customers over several years.

The charges are estimated to be $50 million dollars and are considered the largest rebate every issued by a mobile phone company.

“The majority of the data sessions involved minor data exchanges caused by software built into their phones; others included accessing certain Web links, which should not have incurred charges,” the Verizon statement said.

Considered one of the best mobile phone providers in the country, to make a mistake that big and know about it for over eight months is outrageous.

Verizon has been under investigation for the false charges since January of this year and the FCC have found pertinent evidence dating further back than 2010.

“We’re gratified to see Verizon agree to finally repay its customers. But questions remain as to why it took Verizon two years to reimburse its customers and why greater disclosure and other corrective actions did not come much, much soon,” FCC enforcement bureau chief Michelle Ellison said.

The technical malfunction, known about by Verizon, will continue to be investigated by the FCC.

As for the rebate, the company has agreed to add credits to the accounts of current users while former ones will receive a check.

The report claims “Verizon Wireless values our customer relationships and we always want to do the right thing for our customers.”

When “the right thing” does not get done in a timely manner, one is forced to ask the legitimacy of one of the top names in wireless phones in the country. Virtually blindsiding the customer by delaying the inevitable, Verizon denied their customers truth when unexplained charges arose.

With the FCC behind the investigation Verizon can no longer rule the air criminally by stealing from its customers.