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Billing FAQs
- Why am I charged an Early Termination Fee if I choose to leave my contract early?
ETFs provide consumers with cost savings in service and products because of the certainty and stability ETFs allow carriers. The vast majority of wireless consumers choose rate plans that include ETFs because of these savings. - Why am I charged for so many taxes and fees?
Taxes, Governmental Surcharges and Fees include sales, excise and other taxes and governmental surcharges and fees that we are required by law to bill to customers. On average, the typical consumer pays more than 14% of their total wireless bill in taxes, fees and surcharges, including a federal rate of about 3.38% and a state/local rate of 11.13%. Click here to learn more. - Will I be charged for calling 411?
Most wireless carriers do charge a nominal fee for dialing 411. Check with your carrier for specifics.
- Does changing my rate plan change my contract? Possibly. Making changes to your plan in terms of increasing or decreasing minutes used per month, adding/ subtracting add-on features such as text messaging or data plan , or changing devices could affect the contract you signed with a carrier. Other changes could also affect the contract you've agreed to with your carrier, so be sure to check first with your service provider to answer any questions you might have about your service or changing your rate plan.
- Why am I charged a fee for Universal Service Fund (USF)? What is it and what is it for?
In 1996, Congress passed a federal law requiring all telecommunications providers to contribute to the federal Universal Service Fund that provides subsidies for telephone service in low-income and rural areas. Some carriers charge a USF fee from their consumers to offset the cost of contributing to this fund.
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