Perplexing pricing; cellular-phone users find that talk isn't cheap, and they're not sure why
Article Abstract:
Consumers complain that cellular telephone rates are too expensive, pricing systems are confusing and bills are difficult to understand. Cellular telephone charges are broken down into several categories including recurring monthly charges, airtime amount, roamer charges and long-distance. Recurring charges represent the option package that a consumer chooses. Airtime amount, which includes time for unanswered calls and for receiving calls, is based on rates that differ during peak and off-peak hours. Roamer charges apply when a user leaves a particular cellular system in one city and uses another one in a different location. Long distance charges are above and beyond all other charges made to a consumer.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1990
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Wireless warfare; lessons from Europe drive frantic scramble in telephone industry; U.S. companies import ideas and executives to market a $50 billion makeover; all roads lead to roaming
Article Abstract:
The US wireless industry is importing several successful tactics of the European wireless market and introducing similar phone features, marketing tricks, and rate plans in the US. The average wireless user's phone bill in the US is about $47, one of the lowest in the world. The industry is experimenting with pricing plans that will increase the average monthly bill, while decreasing the cost per minute for wireless service. Sprint PCS is addressing this problem by not charging wireless users for the first minute of incoming calls. Sprint PCS and AT&T are also considering introducing a plan that charges individuals calling wireless phones from normal phones high rates of approximately 40 cents per minute.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1997
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Phony power; technology leads to new absurdities in a Hollywood obsessed with the telephone
Article Abstract:
The entertainment industry's use of portable telephones reaches alarming proportions and some observers say the cellular telephone is becoming a means of attaining social status, power and money. Some executives have at least two car phones, each with call waiting, and find themselves on the phone so often that they become incapable of directly communicating with colleagues. Executives will also show off and make calls simply to impress others and substitute substantive conversation for showmanship. The ability to be reached and reach others in the entertainment industry can be a critical business advantage but it is having a significant effect on the social climate as well.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1990
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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