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Aug. 27, 2009

Verizon Wireless said today it is looking into various methods in preventing wireless subscribers without data plans from accidentally starting up the Internet browser on their smartphones and racking up $1.99 in fees every time they use it.

On many smartphones, including ones on other mobile carriers, it's actually very easy to accidently push a button that brings up the internal Web browser.

Wireless users of the No. 2 carrier, AT&T, have the exact same problem.

Their smart phones will usually warn them of extra charges the first time they try to start up the company's MediaNet browser, but if the customer agrees to the charges the first time, there is no warning on subsequent access.

Customers at Tracfone Wireless, the largest prepaid carrier, report similar problems. Verizon Wireless spokesman Tom Pica said "it is obvious to us that we need to fix this aspect of our service and fix it fast."

He added that Verizon is actually refunding all data charges to subscribers that complain about them.

The "Plain Dealer in Cleveland" tapped into a vein of frustration among Verizon Wireless customers in newspaper columns on the issue this month.

Most mobile carriers will turn off all data access at the subscriber's request.

However, readers the newspaper talked to reported conflicting information from Verizon Wireless customer service representatives, with some being told that turning off data access would also stop picture messaging.

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Source: Verizon Wireless.