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Cingular, San Francisco, is a rip off ! |
sfaguy
Joined: Nov 06, 2002
Posts: 442
From: San Francisco, CA
PM |
i have two mobile carriers, T-Mobile & Cingular, for
. same address in San Francisco
. same $39.99/month plan
while comparing my bills, i find Cingular charges a lot more money on taxes (T-mobile = $6.40, Cingular = $10.47)
here are the breakdown of the charges from Cingular.
. federal universal service fund $1.09
. regulatory cost recovery fee $1.25
. A surcharge $.0.08
. B surcharge $1.00
. regulatory fee surcharge $0.04
. relay service device fund S/C $0.13
. state 911 tax $0.32
. universal lifeline surcharge $0.49
. 911 service fee $1.75
. local utility users tax $3.00
. federal excise tax $1.32
totalling ===> $10.47
i do not understand why Cingular charges that much more on tax for the same plan in the same area as T-mobile. i would like to verify from other cingular customers in this forum with the same $39.99/month plan if you guys are being charged for the same.
i am not complaining about taxes for my plan, i just do not understand why Cingular would get away charging $4 more over T-mobile. i do not know about AT&T, it would be interesting to know what taxes they have for the same plan in San Francisco.
any feedback would be appreciated. |
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knight4led
Joined: May 27, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: Califonia, USA
PM |
There has been a large debate over this issue going on for some time. Many of the items listed there are carrier specific and are not actually federally or state implemented charges. Many wireless and landline phone companies in the U.S. actually make money on the "taxes" they charge you.
I have the same plan as you, but I share my bill with other members of my family so we do not all get hit with all the charges.
Pick your company based on service. $4 isn't so much to pay if the coverage is better. |
randomtask77
Joined: Jan 06, 2003
Posts: 313
PM |
I have the 850 family talk plan here in southern california and it's supposed to be 59.99. But after all is said and done, I'm paying nearly $100USD per month. |
sfaguy
Joined: Nov 06, 2002
Posts: 442
From: San Francisco, CA
PM |
thanks guys for your input.
i wish when we pick carrier online or at the store they should post the total amount for each plan (all taxes and whatever included) in order for us to determine bottom line vs. coverage.
i personally think $39.99 with $10.60 (25% tax) is quite steep. the extra $4/month is enough for me to consider another carrier. with a 1 year contract commitment, that is $48.
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knight4led
Joined: May 27, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: Califonia, USA
PM |
If you pick another carrier with similar coverage and similar options for cheaper, let me know. I am usually in the bay area and would greatly appreciate that info. |
sfaguy
Joined: Nov 06, 2002
Posts: 442
From: San Francisco, CA
PM |
@knight4led,
well, t-mobile $39.99/month is $4 cheaper on tax. what i was saying is if i had known Cingular charges $4 more a month, i most certainly will not switch to them. cingular coverage is really not better than t-mobile in san francisco anyway. |
Residentevil
Joined: Feb 29, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: Raccoon City, USA
PM, WWW
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With cingular you get 850/1800/1900 the P900 is 900/1800/1900 and T-mobile uses 900/1800/1900. So if you are travelling especially internationally you are better of with T-mob.
Tough times don't last, tough people do!
Free Tibet |
Residentevil
Joined: Feb 29, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: Raccoon City, USA
PM, WWW
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Also Cingular needs the money to buyout Att. That's where I guess you surcharge A & B goes.
Tough times don't last, tough people do!
Free Tibet |
knight4led
Joined: May 27, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: Califonia, USA
PM |
I know all about the 850/900 mhz band issues and the implications with national roaming. I was just thinking that if someone found a good promotional offer on one of gsm networks it might be worth switching. For me T-Mob ain't $4 different right now.
I was thinking if someone found something like the old $50 unlimited plan that AT&T used to have. |
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Posted: 2004-07-29 20:34
