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Another Savvy Traveler: I did my homework and saved money

2010.07.27 by Dan Rumelt
My needs were simple. I had free WiFi where I stayed so I didn't need to retrieve email or do any web browsing on my phone. All I wanted was to place and receive wireless phone calls for making or confirming restaurant reservations, asking for directions, and just to have for emergencies —
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Early Termination Fees: Share Your Story

2010.07.26 by Joel Gurin
For several months, the FCC has been studying early termination fees (ETFs): those fees that wireless carriers charge if you sign a long-term contract and cancel it early. Generally, in return for signing a contract with an ETF, wireless customers can get substantial discounts on their handheld
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The Problem with Pay-for-Play

2010.07.26 by Michele Ellison
Yesterday, the Enforcement Bureau entered into a settlement with Univision Radio, Inc. to resolve serious allegations that station employees secretly accepted thousands of dollars in bribes to play the music of artists from the Univision Music Group (UMG) record label.  Federal law allows
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Denying Bill Shock by Distorting the Facts

2010.07.15 by Joel Gurin and John Horrigan, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
The FCC receives thousands of complaints a year about cell-phone bill shock — what happens when consumers get sudden, unexpected increases in their bills from one month to the next. In May, we released a national survey, done with two major research firms, showing that 17 percent of Americans
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Wireless World Travel - Connecting with Consumers at Dulles International Airport

2010.07.02 by Rachel Kazan
By the FCC Dulles Airport Passenger Visit Team: Yul Kwon, Dan Rumelt, Marissa Astor, Erik Chamberlin, John Cochran, and Sam Rodriguez.During Wireless World Travel Week we went to Dulles International Airport outside of Washington, DC to tell people about Wireless World Travel Week. We
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Tracking VoIP: What We Now Know

2010.06.25 by Steven Rosenberg
Until today, we couldn’t have told you this: out of 97 million residential phone lines in the U.S., nearly 20% were VoIP subscribers. (Annoying technical footnote alert:  this actually refers to “interconnected” VoIP, the most common form of VoIP service, which is voice service over
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Final Reminders: What should I do when I return home?

2010.06.25 by Mindel DeLaTorre
This week we have covered pre-departure steps, overseas calling alternatives, and VoIP services, all focused on avoiding excess charges. Today we will wrap up the "Wireless World Travel Week" with an overview of the international calling tips, as well as a few final reminders.Check with your
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Can I make calls over the Internet from Wi-Fi hotspots?

2010.06.24 by Mindel DeLaTorre
[Addendum: The FCC does not endorse the VoIP services mentioned below or any distinct technology.]We've gone over many different options for international calling which all revolved around use of wireless networks and landlines. However, there is another cheap and easy way to make international
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Once I am overseas, what calling options can I choose from?

2010.06.23 by Mindel DeLaTorre
You have arrived overseas, and are ready to make a call. After verifying your carrier's policies and charges, you should have a plan for how you will communicate while overseas.Some phones are capable of using a SIM card that can be purchased overseas (call your provider for details on your
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Will I be able to use my phone overseas? What preparations do I need to make?

2010.06.22 by Mindel DeLaTorre
In order to maintain communication with people back home in the most affordable way, you need to be ready ahead of time. First, make sure you understand the telephone system in the country you're going to. Different countries use different types of mobile phone networks, so don't assume that
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